Glossary
Rip current
A narrow, fast channel of water flowing away from the beach. It pulls you out, not under. Float, then swim along the shore.
A rip current is a powerful, narrow channel of fast-moving water that flows from near the shore out through the surf. NOAA (opens in a new tab) says rip currents are common along the East, Gulf and West coasts and the Great Lakes, can move at up to 8 feet per second (faster than an Olympic swimmer), and kill an estimated 100 people a year in the U.S. They account for about 80% of beach rescues (NWS (opens in a new tab)).
A rip current pulls you away from shore, not under the water. If you are caught, the National Weather Service (opens in a new tab) says:
- Relax; rip currents don't pull you under.
- Don't swim against the current.
- Swim out of the current, then to shore.
- If you can't escape, float or tread water.
- If you need help, yell or wave.
Signs of a rip include darker water, a gap where waves aren't breaking, and foam or debris moving out to sea. They often form on calm, sunny days and near jetties and piers. The best protection is swimming near a lifeguard. See how to spot and escape a rip current, the Caught in a rip current? infographic and the Rip current trainer.
What you can do today: say the five escape steps out loud with your family before your next beach trip.