Updated:
January 23, 2008 16:03  

A rip current is a channelized flow of water moving away from the shore at beaches. Rip currents typically form along the beach at breaks in the offshore sandbar, but they also form near structures such as jetties and piers. Rip currents are part of the natural near-shore ocean circulation and are quite common, occurring at many beaches every day on both the Atlantic and gulf coasts of Florida. Some rip currents last from a few minutes to a few hours, while others may last for days. Weather or ocean conditions can cause rip currents to be stronger and more frequent on some days than on others.

Why are rip currents dangerous?

Rip currents are dangerous because they can pull unprepared swimmers away from shore and into deeper offshore waters. They become especially dangerous when swimmers panic and struggle against the current while being pulled farther and farther away from the beach. Contrary to popular belief, rip currents do not pull a swimmer under the water.

Rip currents can move at speeds of up to eight feet per second, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer! At these speeds, the force of a rip current is too strong for even the strongest of swimmers, and attempts to swim directly back toward shore, especially for the panicked and tired swimmer, can be fatal. In fact, rip currents claim more lives in Florida each year than do hurricanes, tornadoes and lightning.

Get a clue

When you take a trip to the beach, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from the potential dangers of rip currents. First, when you arrive at the beach, ask the on-duty lifeguards about the current rip current danger. Also, note any flag warning system that may be present. Second, be able to recognize some of the signs that indicate that rip currents are present. A visible channel of churning, choppy water; a narrow channel where there is a difference in water color; a line of foam, seaweed or debris; or a break in the incoming wave pattern are all indicators of possible rip currents.

What should you do?

If you find yourself caught in a rip current, doing two simple things will increase your chances of survival: Don’t panic and don’t fight the current! Since most rip currents are relatively narrow in width, to escape the outgoing current, you should swim in a direction parallel to the shoreline. Or more simply, if caught in a rip current and facing back toward the beach, swim either toward your left or right. Just remembering the simple phrase “Don’t fight... Swim left or right” could save your life. When free of the current, swim at an angle back toward shore.

Before you leave for a trip to the beach, check the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Most Florida NWS offices issue a surf zone forecast each day, which includes the expected rip current risk. More rip current information can be found at the following Web site: www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov.

According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, there were 297 shark attacks in Florida from 1994 through 2005, with four fatalities (one every three years). In contrast, an average of 10 people die in Florida each year after getting caught in rip currents. This shows that rip currents cause a tragic loss of life much more frequently than sharks do.

What Is A Rip Current? A rip current, erroneously called a rip tide or undertow, is like a shallow river or channel of water flowing away from shore. Rip currents are part of the natural nearshore ocean circulation and occur on most days at the beaches. Weather or ocean conditions can cause them to be strong on some days, pulling unprepared swimmers away from shore into deeper water. However, rip currents do NOT pull you under the water.

Rip currents in Florida form where breaks occur in the sandbar.The photo on the right shows the two main parts of a rip current, which are identifiable by a foam and sediment plume.

1. The neck of the rip current is where the seaward pull is narrowest and fastest.

2. The head is where the current broadens and slows.

Going to the beach should be a fun time. But before you head out the door, check expected beach conditions by going online and reading the National Weather Service's Surf Zone Forecast. See whether the rip current risk is low, moderate or high at www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/forecasts.shtml.

Before laying your towel down on the sand, look for the nearest lifeguards and check with them about existing water conditions. If you're going to a beach with no lifeguard on duty, look for warning flags or signs. If winds are strong or the surf is rough, avoid going into water above your knees.

Ian Crocker is a four-time Olympic medalist for the U.S. Swimming Team and holds the men's world record for completing the 100 meter butterfly in 50.28 seconds, a pace of nearly six feet per second. “A rip current is one competitor all swimmers should avoid challenging,” says Ian. Rip currents can move at speeds of eight feet per second, and it's hopeless to try to swim directly against them. Many good swimmers become drowning victims while trying to swim directly back to shore against a rip current.

A Survivor’s Story

Bill Proenza is director of the National Hurricane Center . At age 11, he was swimming at a beach near Miami when he was pulled seaward by an unseen force. After calling for help, he was rescued. Later, Bill found out that he had been in the clutches of a rip current. Two years after that incident, Bill was able to save a man struggling in a rip current, pushing the victim parallel to the shore, away from the seaward pull. This individual was certainly lucky to have Bill's help, but, unfortunately, rip currents, often called “killer currents,” still claim more lives in Florida each year than do hurricanes, tornadoes and lightning.

Rip Current Safety Awareness Week

June 3-9, 2007 www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov