To escape a rip current, swimming parallel to the shore should be done at what angle to the current?

Swimming parallel to the shore at a right angle to the current is the most effective way to escape a rip current. When you swim at a right angle to the current, you are maximizing your distance away from the current’s pull while still making progress towards the safety of the shore. This approach works because rip currents generally flow straight out to sea, and by swimming perpendicular to that flow, you are effectively neutralizing the current's force against you.

If you were to swim in an acute or obtuse angle to the current, you may end up either being pulled further out to sea or making minimal progress toward safety. Swimming directly against the current, which is not an option in this case, is also not advisable as it can lead to exhaustion without making significant headway toward the shore. Thus, the best strategy is to aim for a right angle to escape the dangerous grip of the rip current safely.