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 jetties and piers.
• Rip currents are quite common and can be found on many surf beaches everyday.

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 ocean.
• Rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.

What are some clues that a rip current may be present?

• A channel of churning, choppy water.
• A difference in water color.
• A line of foam moving seaward.
• A break in the incoming wave pattern.

What if I am caught in a rip current?

• Stay calm.
• Do not try to swim against the current.
• Escape the current by swimming in a direction parallel to shore. When free of the current, swim at an angle – away from the current – toward shore.
• If you are unable to escape by swimming, float or tread water. When the current weakens, swim at an angle away from the current toward shore.
• If at any time you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself; face the shore, call or wave for help.

What are some safety tips?

• Learn how to swim.
• Never swim alone.
• Swim near an open lifeguard station.
• Check with the lifeguard before entering the water for any unsafe conditions.

How do I help someone else?

• Do not become a victim while trying to help someone else! Many people have died in efforts to rescue rip current victims.
• Get help from a lifeguard.
• If a lifeguard is not present, yell instructions on how to escape.
• If possible, throw the rip current victim something that floats.
• Call 9-1-1 for further assistance.