Rip Currents
Rip Current Facts
- Rip currents are channels of water that flow out into the ocean.
- They can be very strong and move very fast - up to 8 miles an hour.
- Rips pull people away from shore, but will not pull a person under.
- A rip current may be narrow, or up to over 100-yards wide.
- 80% of all surf rescues are due to rip currents.
What Does a Rip Current Look Like?
- Churning, choppy water
- Different water color
- Foam or seaweed moving seaward
- Break in the wave pattern
What To Do If You Get Caught In a Rip Current
- Don’t panic.
- Do not try to swim against the current.
- Swim along the shoreline to get out of the rip.
- Swim back to the shore diagonally (away from where the rip was).
- Wave for help if you are in trouble.
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