Break the Grip of the Rip

Rip currents account for more than 80% of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards.

A rip current is pictured.
A rip current on the coast of North Carolina. (NOAA)
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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 are commonly found on all surf beaches, including Great Lakes beaches. 


Why are rip currents dangerous?

  • Rip currents pull people away from shore. 
  • Rip current speeds can vary from moment to moment and can quickly become dangerous to anyone entering the surf. 
  • Rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer away from shore.

 

What are clues that rip currents may be present?

  • A narrow gap of darker, seemingly calmer water between areas of breaking waves and whitewater. 
  • A channel of churning, choppy water. 
  • A difference in water color. 
  • A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward.

 

What if I am caught in a rip current?

  • Relax, rip currents don’t pull you under. 
  • Don’t swim against the current. 
  • You may be able to escape by swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach. 
  • You may be able to escape by floating or treading water if the current circulates back toward shore. 
  • If you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself. If you need help, yell and wave for assistance.

 

How do I help someone else?
Don’t become a victim while trying to help someone else! Many people have died trying to rescue rip current victims. 

  • Get help from a lifeguard. 
  • If a lifeguard is not present, call 9-1-1, then try to direct the victim to swim following the shoreline to escape. 
  • If possible, throw the rip current victim something that floats. 
  • Never enter the water without a flotation device.


Facts About Rip Currents

  • Rip current speeds vary. Average speeds are 1-2 feet per second, but they have been measured as fast as 8 feet per second—faster than an Olympic swimmer!
  • Rip currents can be very narrow or more than 50 yards wide.
  • Sometimes a rip current ends just beyond the line of breaking waves; however, others may continue to flow hundreds of yards offshore. 
  • Rip currents do not pull people under the water—they pull people away from shore. 
  • Rip currents are sometimes mistakenly called undertow or riptides but these terms are not correct. Only the term rip currents is technically correct.  


Safety Tips

  • Know how to swim. 
  • Never swim alone. 
  • If in doubt, don’t go out. 
  • Swim near a lifeguard.


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. 
  • More information about rip currents can be found at the following websites: 
    weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent
    usla.org/page/ripcurrents

United States Lifesaving Association statistics indicate that the chance of death by drowning at a beach protected by lifeguards is 1 in 18 million.

Upgraded nearshore Wave Prediction System 
weather.gov/news/212901-nwps

Surf Fatalities Dashboard 
noaa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/60d29733f7e44d49a25cfe1178ea6798

NWS Offices Offering Surf Zone Forecasts 
weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent-forecasts

Rip Current Toolkit
weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent-toolkit