Glossary
Rip current statement
A National Weather Service alert that dangerous rip currents are expected. A reason to stay out of the surf.
A rip current statement is an alert from the National Weather Service that life-threatening rip currents are expected along a stretch of coast. Under the NWS directive (opens in a new tab) for surf zone forecasts, offices issue it to highlight an increased, moderate or high, rip current risk. When several surf hazards occur together, such as rough surf, longshore currents and rip currents, forecasters may issue a broader beach hazards statement instead.
The NWS rates rip current risk at three levels, as its Cleveland office (opens in a new tab) explains:
- Low: conditions are not expected to support rip currents, but they can still form, especially near jetties, groins and piers.
- Moderate: stronger or more frequent rip currents; only experienced surf swimmers should go in.
- High: dangerous rip currents that are life-threatening to anyone entering the surf.
The NWS (opens in a new tab) advises checking the surf zone forecast and beach advisories before you leave, and asking the lifeguard when you arrive. A low risk is not a promise of safe water; rip currents can form on calm, sunny days. See rip currents and beach warning flags.
What you can do today: find the NWS surf zone forecast for the beach you visit most and bookmark it.