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Marine Education
Resources
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Rip Currents
- Don't Let Them Catch You
Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers. They are most
dangerous for weak or non-swimmers. Over 100 drownings occur every year as a
result of rip currents. Compared to 53 deaths from lightning strikes and .6
deaths from shark attachs each year, rip currents are certainly worthy of
recognition.
Rip currents are formed when water is forced through a narrow path causing it to
rush out to sea. Rip currents are frequently seen around jetties, groins, and
other barriers, and can extend 1,000 feet offshore, reaching widths of 100 feet
and speeds of up to three miles per hour (eight feet per second). This is faster
than an Olympic swimmer can sprint. Thus, rip currents can pull even the most
experienced swimmers out to sea.
Rip currents can be found on many surf beaches every day. Some rip currents are
present only a few hours; others are permanent.
Telltale Signs of Rip Currents:
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A noticeable difference in water color (either murkier or
darker).
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A difference in waves (larger, choppier waves in the rip current;
smaller, calmer waves in front of the bar).
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Foam or objects moving steadily seaward.
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An offshore plume of turbid water past the sandbars.
A common myth about rip currents is that they pull people under
water. Actually they don’t. They pull people away from shore. Drowning occurs
when people pulled offshore are no longer able to keep themselves afloat and
swim to shore. This may be due to any combination of fear, panic, exhaustion, or
lack of swimming skills.
What To Do:
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If you find yourself caught in a rip current, most importantly,
Don’t Panic.
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Never swim against a rip current. Instead, swim parallel to shore
until you are out of the current. Rip currents are rarely more than 30 feet
wide. If you can’t break free of the rip current, float calmly until the current
dissipates, usually just beyond the breakers. Once free, swim diagonally to
shore.
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If you’re unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by
waving your arm and yelling for help.
Rip currents can be killers, so be safe, be smart, and know what
to do.
Source:
Rip Currents: Don’t Panic, North Carolina Sea Grant
Click here to view the
rip currents brochure ----> 
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