Rip Currents
Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. Also known as "rip tides," even though they are not "tides," rip currents typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. They can move up to a few hundred feet per day, and can occur at any beach with breaking waves, including large lakes such as the Great Lakes.
To see if a rip current is present, please look for the following signs:
- Unusually calm waters, which the channel of water flowing out can cause.
- The color of the water may be different from the surrounding area.
- The waterline is lower on the shore near a rip current.
- Tides, especially low tides, can make an existing current more dangerous.
You may also wish to view the following rip current safety tips:
- Check for posted warnings before heading into the water.
- Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties.
- Never go into the water without lifeguard supervision, especially at night.
- When caught in a rip current do not fight it:
- Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline.
- Float or calmly tread water until out of the current, then swim towards shore.
- If still unable to reach the shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.
A daily rip current outlook is available from the local National Weather Service (NWS) office. This Surf Zone Forecast is available to lifeguards, emergency management, media, and the general public.
You may also wish to visit the following links:
- Questions and Answers about Rip Currents
- Rip Current Medical Effects
- Rip Current Links
- Rip Current Safety: Kids Korner
- Rip Current Awareness Week - took place June 5 through 11, 2011.
Additional Resources: