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. |
