Where can I get more information
about rip currents?
◆ Before you leave for the beach, check
the latest National Weather Service
forecast for local beach conditions.
◆ When you arrive at the beach, ask
lifeguards about rip currents and other
hazards.
Chris Brewster, United States Lifesaving Association
◆ More information about rip currents
can be found at the following web sites:
weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent
usla.org/ripcurrents
A narrow, darker gap between areas of breaking waves is one sign of a rip current.
NOAA’s National Weather
Facts about rip currents Safety tips Service, National Sea Grant
College Program, and the
◆ Rip current speeds vary. Average ◆ Know how to swim. United States Lifesaving
speeds are 1-2 feet per second, but Association are working to
they have been measured as fast ◆ Never swim alone. educate the public on the
as 8 feet per second—faster than dangers of rip currents.
an Olympic swimmer! ◆ If in doubt, don’t go out.
◆ Rip currents can be very narrow ◆ Swim near a lifeguard.
or more than 50 yards wide.
◆ Sometimes a rip current ends just ®
beyond the line of breaking waves;
however, others may continue to flow United States Lifesaving
hundreds of yards offshore. Association statistics
◆ Rip currents do not pull people under indicate that the chance
the water—they pull people away of death by drowning NOAA’s National Weather Service
from shore.
at a beach protected by Analyze, Forecast, and Support Office
◆ Rip currents are sometimes mistakenly
called undertow or riptides but these lifeguards is 1 in 18 million. www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent
terms are not correct. Only the term
rip currents is technically correct.
NOAA PA 201950
ip currents account for
more than 80% of rescues
performed by surf beach
Lifeguard Captain Nick Steers, County of Los Angeles Fire Department
lifeguards.
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 sometimes generate a plume of visible
◆ Rip currents are commonly found on sediment moving away from shore.
all surf beaches, including Great Lakes
beaches. What are clues that a rip current may
be present?
Why are rip currents dangerous? ◆ A narrow gap of darker, seemingly
calmer water between areas of breaking
◆ Rip currents pull people away waves and whitewater.
from shore.
◆ A channel of churning, choppy water.
◆ Rip current speeds can vary from
moment to moment and can quickly ◆ A difference in water color.
increase to become dangerous to
anyone entering the surf. ◆ A line of foam, seaweed or debris
moving seaward. How do I help someone else?
◆ Rip currents can sweep even the Don’t become a victim while trying
strongest swimmer away from shore. to help someone else!
What if I’m caught in a rip current? Many people have died trying to rescue rip
Rip Current ◆ Relax, rip currents don’t pull you under. current victims.
{
◆ Don’t swim against the current. ◆ Get help from a lifeguard.
Dr. Tom Herrington, Stevens Institute of Technology
Courtesy of Discovery Communications
◆ You may be able to escape by swimming ◆ If a lifeguard is not present, call 9-1-1,
out of the current in a direction following then try to direct the victim to swim
the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, following the shoreline to escape.
then at an angle toward the beach.
◆ If possible, throw the rip current victim
◆ You may be able to escape by floating or something that floats.
treading water if the current circulates ◆ Never enter the water without a flotation A lifeguard rescues a swimmer caught in a rip current.
Rip currents often form near coastal structures. back toward shore. device.
◆ If you feel you will be unable to reach
shore, draw attention to yourself. If you
need help, yell and wave for assistance.
P CURRENTS BREAK THE GRIP OF THE RIP RIP CURRENTS BREAK THE GRIP OF THE RIP RIP CURRENTS BREAK THE GRIP OF THE R
