| Rip Currents, commenly known as the dreaded "Undertow" in reality do not actually pull you "under". Rip currents are essentially a strong flow of water in the direction away from the beach. In other words, Rip Currents pull you out, not under. Another common mistake is calling a Rip Current a "Rip Tide," which can be misleading. Even though rip currents can be stronger during certain tidal conditions, they are not a tidal effect. A rip current is exactly as the name implies, a current. Below you will see a graphic accompanied by its explanation which will give you further insights, and most importantly, tips on how to survive a Rip Current. Click here for some good pictures of actual rip currents. |
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Waves are caused by the winds in storms at sea. The waves from different storms in the ocean combine to make surf on a beach. Waves come in groups called sets. During the winter storms are usually in the North Pacific and during the summer many storms are near the equator or Southern Hemisphere. 2 Waves hit the beach at angles, as a result this energy creates a current called the long shore current. The long shore current flows along the coastline. It can be easily recognized by watching foam; swimmers or debris near shore drift in it. During the summer the long shore current usually flows north and in the winter moves south. |
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After a set of waves break, a lot of water and energy is pushed towards the shoreline. This displaced water will move along the beach with the long shore current until it finds its way back out to sea; this causes the rip current. Rip currents are narrow, river-like, currents that have been fed by the long shore current and sets of waves. Rip currents are between 50 feet and 50 yards wide and can flow up to hundreds of yards past the surfline. You can easily spot a rip current by its foamy and choppy surface. The water in a rip current can be dirty brown (from the sand being turned up) and moves rapidly out to sea. 4 If you are caught in a rip current - do not panic. The rip current will not pull you under. Call or wave for assistance or swim parallel to shore with the long shore current until you are out of the rip, then swim directly towards shore. |
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If you cannot recognize the long shore current or rip current, talk to the lifeguard. If you cannot swim an overhand stroke for 15 minutes, you should not be in the ocean - take swimming lessons. 6 The ocean is a wonderful playground. Avoid its dangers by understanding its ways and being strong enough to enjoy it safely. |
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