Rip current safety

What a rip current actually is

A rip current is a narrow, fast-moving channel of water flowing seaward from a beach. Water piles up on the shore then finds an exit point back to sea.

• Not "rip tide" — misnomer.
• Not "undertow" — different phenomenon.
• Speed: 1-8 feet/second (up to 5 mph).
• Width: 10-100 feet.
• Duration: minutes to weeks.
• Can shift location on same beach.

How to spot one

• Darker color of water (deeper channel).
• Foam, seaweed, or debris moving away from shore.
• Notched-out area in incoming wave pattern.
• Sandy-colored water flowing seaward.
• Clear channel between breaking waves.
• Best viewed from elevated position (dune, lifeguard stand).

If caught in one

1. DO NOT swim against it.
2. DO NOT panic.
3. Float or swim parallel to shore.
4. Once free of the current, swim to shore at angle.
5. If still stuck, float and wave for help.
6. Call to lifeguard.
7. Others: throw floatation.
8. Do not swim toward victim — become victim yourself.

Where they form

• Beach breaks with waves.
• Sandbar gaps.
• Rock or reef openings.
• Pier structures.
• Where beach shape channels water outward.
• Popular tourist beaches on East, Gulf, West coasts, Great Lakes.
• Any beach with waves 2+ ft.

Warning conditions

• Larger waves = stronger rip currents.
• Low tide often worst.
• Onshore wind can increase.
• Storm approaching.
• Recent hurricane in region.
• Check NWS beach forecast.
• Local surf reports.
• Lifeguard flags.

Lifeguard flag system

The specific deadly beaches

• Panama City Beach, FL.
• Ocean City, MD.
• Myrtle Beach, SC.
• Cape Hatteras, NC.
• Any Great Lakes beach.
• North Shore Oahu, HI.
• California central coast.
• Anywhere without lifeguards.

For parents

1. Never leave kids at beach without supervision.
2. Kids in life jackets.
3. Swim only in front of lifeguard stand.
4. Explain rip current escape technique.
5. Practice floating on back.
6. Point out lifeguard flags.
7. Discuss what to do if separated.

For beach visitors

1. Check surf forecast before beach.
2. Swim only at lifeguard beaches.
3. Never swim alone.
4. Never swim under influence.
5. Wear life jacket if not strong swimmer.
6. Stay near lifeguard.
7. Follow flags.
8. Ask lifeguard about conditions.
9. Know your swimming ability.

The specific rescue technique

1. Never enter water yourself.
2. Throw flotation to victim.
3. Call 911.
4. Direct lifeguard.
5. Stay in visual contact with victim.
6. Guide victim to float.
7. Coach parallel swimming.
8. Do not attempt rescue without training.

Great Lakes rip currents

• Yes, they happen on Great Lakes.
• Common in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania.
• Deadly at Lake Michigan especially.
• Meteotsunami-linked variants.
• Similar rescue technique.
• Some Great Lakes beaches have lifeguards.
• Most don't.
• Extra vigilance required.

The specific fatalities

• Multiple children per year at popular beaches.
• Adults trying to rescue drowning children.
• Alcohol-related.
• Unfamiliar with beach.
• Not knowing escape technique.
• Panicking.
• Fatigue.
• Exhausting swim against current.

For lifeguards

1. Constant scan of water.
2. Flag conditions accurately.
3. Educate beachgoers.
4. Position rescue equipment.
5. Multiple guards for busy beach.
6. Radio communication.
7. Post-rescue debrief.
8. Continuous training.

Public education

1. Beach entry signs with rip current info.
2. YouTube videos before travel.
3. Local news warnings before summer.
4. School curriculum in coastal areas.
5. Parent education at swim lessons.
6. Hotel information for travelers.
7. Cell app alerts.
8. Family drill in pool if possible.

Learn more

• Lightning safety guide
• Flash flood safety
• Heat wave safety
• Marine weather explained