Why Rip Currents FormAs waves travel from deep to shallow water, they will break near the shoreline. When waves break strongly in some locations and weakly in others, this can cause circulation cells which are seen as rip currents: narrow, fast-moving belts of water traveling offshore. (more info) |
Why Rip Currents are DangerousRip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers. They are particularly dangerous for weak or non-swimmers. Rip current speeds are typically 1-2 feet per second. However, speeds as high as 8 feet per second have been measured--this is faster than an Olympic swimmer can sprint! Thus, rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.Over 100 drownings due to rip currents occur every year in the United States. More than 80% of water rescues on surf beaches are due to rip currents. Rip currents can occur at any surf beach with breaking waves, including the Great Lakes. |
When Rip Currents Form
Rip currents can be found on many surf beaches every day. Under
most tide and sea conditions the speeds are relatively slow. However, under
certain wave, tide, and beach profile conditions the speeds can quickly increase
to become dangerous to anyone entering the surf. The strength and speed of a rip
current will likely increase as wave height and wave period increase. They are most likely to be dangerous during high surf
conditions as the wave height and wave period increase.
Diagram courtesy of the NWS Southern Region Headquarters
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Where Rip Currents FormRip currents most typically form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as groins, jetties and piers. Rip currents can be very narrow or extend in widths to hundreds of yards. The seaward pull of rip currents varies: sometimes the rip current ends just beyond the line of breaking waves, but sometimes rip currents continue to push hundreds of yards offshore.
Diagram courtesy of the NWS Southern Region Headquarters
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How to Identify Rip CurrentsLook for any of these clues:
None, one, or more of the above clues may indicate the presence of rip
currents. Rip currents are often not readily or easily identifiable to the
average beachgoer. For your safety, be aware of this major surf zone hazard. Polarized
sunglasses make it easier to see the rip current clues provided above.
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility at Duck, NC. |
How to Avoid and Survive Rip CurrentsLearn how to swim!
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Rip Current MythA rip current is a horizontal current. Rip currents do not pull people under the water–-they pull people away from shore. Drowning deaths occur when people pulled offshore are unable to keep themselves afloat and swim to shore. This may be due to any combination of fear, panic, exhaustion, or lack of swimming skills.In some regions rip currents are referred to by other, incorrect terms such as rip tides and undertow. We encourage exclusive use of the correct term – rip currents. Use of other terms may confuse people and negatively impact public education efforts. |
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Last Updated: March 29, 2011 |
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