Rip Current PhotoRip currents (sometimes inaccurately described as rip tides or undertow) are narrow but powerful currents of water flowing (ripping) swiftly away from shore. Rip currents vary in size and speed can occur at any beach with breaking waves. Rip currents will not pull a swimmer under, but will carry them out to deep water.

Learn to Identify Rip Currents

When arriving at a beach, take a few minutes to observe the surf and look for rip currents. A rip is often an area where there is a break in the incoming wave pattern. The water is often darker than the surrounding surf and is flowing outward. Teach your children and others how to identify and avoid rip currents.

If you are caught in a rip current, follow these safety tips:

DON'T PANIC. Stay calm. A rip curent won't pull you under - it'll just pull you away from shore. If you try to fight the rip current and swim against it, you'll just get worn out. Instead float or tread water.

If you are a good swimmer, swim parallel to shore until you've cleared the pull of the rip current, then swim in with the waves, allowing them to push you to shore.

If you can, wave and yell to get the attention of lifeguards and people on shore to let them know you need 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 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.

Swimming Through A Rip Current
"Swimming parallel the beach I saw a lot of turbulent water ahead. As I got closer I could see a literal river flowing out to sea. It was 10-20 meters wide and had standing waves and heavy, chaotic chop. I swam in slowly and felt the immediate pull 90° to my swim. The current took over and I felt flung downstream. I kept calm and swam across and found I cut through fairly easily. It only lasted a minute or so. I’ve stood in small rips on the beach and been towed out on a board before but never swam across one. My swim buddy watched on the beach and said I looked unperturbed but I sure felt scared for a second when that current hit!"
— Atrick Oley, SF Bay Area Open Water Swimmer

 
Sources

Michigan Sea Grant http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu
The National Ocean Service (NOAA) https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/ripcurrent.html

Rip Currents