Rip Currents Media Tips
11/25/2024
What are rip currents?
• Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches.
• Rip currents typically form at breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as jettiesand piers.
• Rip currents are commonly found on all surf beaches, including Great Lakes beaches.
Why are rip currents dangerous?
• Rip currents pull people away from shore.
• Rip current speeds can vary from moment to moment and can quickly increase to become dangerous to anyone entering the surf.
• Rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer away from shore.
• A scientific review of data provided to the United States Lifesaving Association found that there are over 100 deaths each year in the U.S. attributed to rip currents.
• Rip currents account for over 80% of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards.
What are clues that rip currents may be present?
• A narrow gap of darker, seemingly calmer water between areas of breaking waves andwhitewater.
• A channel of churning, choppy water.
• A difference in water color.
• A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward.
How can I protect myself and my family from rip currents?
• Always swim in an area protected by lifeguards
• Consult lifeguards before entering the water.
• Assume that rip currents are always present at surf beaches.
• Learn to swim in the surf and make sure your children can swim in the surf. Poolswimming is not the same as swimming at a surf beach.
• Learn to identify rip currents and take the time to evaluate the water before you enter the water.
What if I'm caught in a rip current?
• Relax, rip currents don't pull you under.
• Don’t swim against the current.
• You may be able to escape by swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach.
• You may be able to escape by floating or treading water if the current circulates back toward shore.
• If you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself. If you need help, yell and wave for assistance.
How do I help someone else?
• Don't become a victim while trying to help someone else! Many people have died trying to rescue rip current victims.
• Get help from a lifeguard.
• If a lifeguard is not present, call 9-1-1, then try to direct the victim to swim following the shoreline to escape.
• If possible, throw the rip current victim something that floats.
• Never enter the water without a flotation device.
Facts about rip currents
• Rip currents do not pull people under the water—they pull people away from shore.
• Rip current speeds vary. Average speeds are 1-2 feet per second, but they have been measured as fast as 8 feet per second—faster than an Olympic swimmer!
• Rip currents can be very narrow or more than 50 yards wide.
• Sometimes a rip current ends just beyond the line of breaking waves; however, others may continue to flow hundreds of yards offshore.
• Rip currents are sometimes mistakenly called undertow or riptides but these terms are not correct. Only the term rip currents is technically correct.
References:
United States Lifesaving Association [Rip Currents]
National Weather Service, offers additional information at [www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent]