Why Rip Currents are Dangerous
Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all
beachgoers. They are particularly dangerous for weak or non-swimmers. Rip
current speeds are typically 1-2 feet per second. However, speeds as high
as 8 feet per second have been measured--this is faster than an Olympic
swimmer can sprint! Thus, rip currents can sweep even the strongest
swimmer out to sea.
Over 100 drownings due to rip currents occur every year in the United
States. More than 80% of water rescues on surf beaches are due to rip
currents.
Rip currents can occur at any surf beach with breaking waves, including
the Great Lakes.
When Rip Currents Form
Rip currents can be found on many surf beaches every day.
Under most tide and sea conditions the speeds are relatively slow.
However, under certain wave, tide, and beach profile conditions the speeds
can quickly increase to become dangerous to anyone entering the surf. The
strength and speed of a rip current will likely increase as wave height
and wave period increase. They are most likely to be dangerous during high
surf conditions as the wave height and wave period increase.
Where Rip Currents Form
Rip currents most typically form at low spots or breaks in
sandbars, and also near structures such as groins, jetties and piers. Rip
currents can be very narrow or extend in widths to hundreds of yards. The
seaward pull of rip currents varies: sometimes the rip current ends just
beyond the line of breaking waves, but sometimes rip currents continue to
push hundreds of yards offshore.
How to Identify Rip Currents
Look for any of these clues:
- a channel of churning, choppy water
- an area having a notable difference in
water color
- a line of foam, seaweed, or debris
moving steadily seaward
- a break in the incoming wave pattern
None, one, or more of the above clues may
indicate the presence of rip currents. Rip currents are often not readily
or easily identifiable to the average beachgoer. For your safety, be aware
of this major surf zone hazard. Polarized sunglasses make it easier to see
the rip current clues provided above.
How to Avoid and Survive Rip Currents
- Learn how to swim!
- Never swim alone.
- Be cautious at all times, especially
when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out!
- Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard
protected beach.
- Obey all instructions and orders from
lifeguards.
- If caught in a rip current, remain
calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
- Don’t fight the current. Swim out of
the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the
current, swim towards shore.
- If you are unable to swim out of the
rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current,
swim towards shore.
- If you are still unable to reach
shore, draw attention to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and
yell for help.
- If you see someone in trouble, get
help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone
call 9-1-1 . Throw the rip current victim something that floats and
yell instructions on how to escape. Remember, many people drown while
trying to save someone else from a rip current.
Rip Current Myth
A rip current is a horizontal current. Rip currents do not
pull people under the water–-they pull people away from shore. Drowning
deaths occur when people pulled offshore are unable to keep themselves
afloat and swim to shore. This may be due to any combination of fear,
panic, exhaustion, or lack of swimming skills.
In some regions rip currents are referred to by
other, incorrect terms such as rip tides and undertow. We encourage
exclusive use of the correct term – rip currents. Use of other terms may
confuse people and negatively impact public education efforts.
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