Marine Weather
Rip Current Forecast Guide: Beach Flags, Wind, Waves, Tides, and Sandbars
How rip current forecasts work, what beach flags mean, and why wind, waves, tides, and sandbars affect swimming danger.
Quick answer: Rip current risk depends on waves, wind, tide, shoreline shape, sandbars, and local beach conditions.
Rip current basics
Rip currents are narrow channels of water moving away from shore.
They can occur on sunny days when waves and beach shape are favorable.
Forecast clues
Higher surf, certain wind directions, tidal stage, and sandbar cuts can raise risk.
Beach patrol flags and local lifeguard information are often the best real-time guide.
If caught
Do not fight directly against the current.
Float, signal, and swim parallel to shore when able before returning at an angle.