Rip current

A rip current is a strong flow of water returning seaward from the shore. It is also called a "rip tide" or "riptide," or colloquially simply "rip." A common misconception is that a rip occurring under the water, instead of on top—an undertow—is strong enough to drag people under the water; this is not true.

Such currents can all be extremely dangerous, dragging swimmers away from the beach and leading to death by drowning when they attempt to fight the current and become exhausted.

Surviving an encounter with a rip current

It is important to never attempt to fight a rip current. One should always swim parallel to the shoreline. If you see a person caught in one, yell at them to do so. This removes the swimmer from the current, which typically occurs most strongly between sandbars. Floating until the current disperses into deeper waters is also another method of surviving such a dangerous incident, but it may leave the swimmer farther out from shore.

Avoiding the shore when surf is rough (such as during high onshore winds, or when a strong hurricane is far offshore) is an advisable safety measure, as this is when very strong tides or currents are most prevalent. Posted warnings, where available, should always be heeded.

External links

• Undertow myth (pdf)