Spring and Summer time beachgoers must be aware of the potential for dangerous rip currents. Rip currents are powerful, channeled water currents flowing away from shore. Rip currents typically extend from the shoreline, to the surf zone, and past the breakers. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves, anywhere on the planet where’s surf is.
The National Weather Service issues a Surf Zone Forecast that includes the rip current risk for many beaches. Many life guard stands will fly colored signal flags indicating the water conditions observed in the area:
Green | Calm Conditions. No specific risks have been observed, however, swimmers should always remain alert to their surroundings. |
| Purple Flag | This flag is to alert beach goers of dangerous marine life, jellyfish, man-o-wars, etc.. |
Yellow | Use Caution. Do not enter the water unless you are an experienced ocean swimmer. |
Red | Dangerous Conditions. Do not enter the water. |
Black | No Lifeguard on Duty |
To identify a rip current, look for any of these clues before entering the water:
- A channel of churning, choppy water returning to sea
- An area having a notable difference in water color, slightly muddy
- A line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward, or out to sea
- A break in the incoming wave pattern
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.
To stay safe at the beach, here are some helpful tips about rip current safety:
You may read our article on how to get out of a rip current for better information.
- Never swim alone, swim with a friend.
- Always swim near a lifeguard if there is one on duty.
- Be cautious at all times, and always swim at a beach where there is a lifeguard on duty. If in doubt, don’t go out!
- Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.
- If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly. Never try to swim directly back to shore!
- Don’t fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
- Swim with the longshore drift to help move you out of the current more quickly.
- If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
- If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help.
- If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1. Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape. Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.
Learn more about Rip Currents and Ocean Safety: