How to Survive Being Sucked Into a Whirlpool

Maelstrom, vortex, whirlpool... whatever you want to call it, these waters can be deadly. Whirlpools are made when opposing currents meet, often resulting from heavy winds or different water densities. How could this downward spiral suck you in? Here are some steps to take if you find yourself caught in a whirlpool.

00:00 Trapped in a whirlpool
02:05 1. Stay down
02:25 2. Don't get caught
02:43 3. Don't seek one
03:34 4. Life vest
03:49 5. Look for the edge

Produced by the makers of What If. Check out our other channels:

Whether it’s an earthquake, mudslide or shark attack, survive whatever awaits you. How To Survive shows how to endure life-threatening moments with science and survivor stories.

Note: This video is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen on this channel. If you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor, the ambulance or the police immediately. Underknown does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in this video. Reliance on any information provided by Underknown is solely at your own risk.

#HowToSurvive
#Whirlpool
#Vortex

[philipwilliams]

I love how all the steps don't answer the question, just how to avoid it in the first place.

[abyssal-z]

This happened to me and it’s truly traumatizing, my father saved me at the brink of drowning .

[himeoftwili]

Aha, I can't escape these things. I commented on What If's video of 'caught in a whirlpool' a while back. 18 years ago I was trapped in one of these and nearly drowned, they're disorienting and incredibly dangerous even for experienced swimmers. I didn't have a life jacket back then, but even a floaty wont save you from these things. 3:37 is pretty accurate. Getting as far away from the vortex is vital since they will consistently drag you up, down and back, even on the surface of the water. I do have a bit of water trauma from them, but knowledge and safety helps.

[oskumxc]

One of my biggest fear ever - the feeling of inevitably danger, it's just terrifying.

[meowwaffles]

1:10 I think that's a sinkhole, not a whirlpool. Terrifying too, but not the same type of natural disasters

[michaelhanson]

How to survive a whirlpool... Don't go out looking for one. Sound advice my guy...

[Tannercl]

As of recent ‘Yu-Gi-Oh’ creator Kazuki Takahashi died, while trying to save woman, child from drowning form a whirlpool. I was wonder if he had chance of survival, after watching this doesn't seem to be much of one.
After I heard this story, I ask myself would rush to help someone from a world pool knowing I would not survive, and they wouldn't ether, Well ether way that take guts of hero to risk it I hope God bless his soul for his self-sacrifice.

[Memesforev]

Once when i was on a trip with some teens like me, we made a little vortex in a pool by going in a circle for like 15 minutes. After that it was so strong that it was impossible to stand on your feet and to swim against the current. It took like 25 minutes until the vortex disapeared

[demayadurham]

My mom saying “I’ll deal with you when we get home is way more dangerous”

[solelan]

How to survive being sucked in a whirlpool: dont get caucht.
Wow tnx

[PianoMan-hxev]

“How can a good thrust help you?” Video’s got my attention now. 😊

[knightthunder]

That was my suggestion :) Thank you for making this video 😉 👍

[FIRESTAR]

I just don't get the excitement of swirling around in one of these nightmares. Just look at what happened to Jacob Cockle, he swam near one of these and drowned. Never approach a whirlpool.

[SushiArmageddon]

How to survive being sucked into a whirlpool: "Don't." Gee thanks!

[Eco-VillePatagoniaChile]

Relax, don't panick, try to hyper ventilate consciously, take off any obstacles around your body, ... dive in to the bottom, go with the flow, at the bottom, push off to side... bubble up.

[pablojimenez]

This video really didn't provide any clue. For a friend recount experience, you have to do quite a physical effort of not get in the area of a whirpool, even swimming under water to avoid the sucking current.

[ArticYT]

Idea: how to survive A plane crash in the middle of the ocean.

[rali]

Me and my friend got sucked into a whirlpool on our tour in Australia and ended up on the Pleasure Beach in Blackpool UK, we have applied for new travel passports 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[ima.get.tiv.]

0:01 just ignore him having a horse mask

[caseyalanjones]

spoiler: In order to survive being sucked into a whirlpool, don't get sucked into a whirlpool.