What is a “rip current”?

Did you know? Rip currents are the DEADLIEST ocean hazzard and account for over 80% of rescues performed by lifeguards.

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the East and West coasts of the U.S., as well as along the shores of gulf and the Great Lakes. Moving at speeds of up to eight feet per second, rip currents can move faster than an Olympic swimmer.

Panicked swimmers often try to counter a rip current by swimming straight back to shore—putting themselves at risk of drowning because of fatigue. Below are a few images of what they look like. If you ever have questions about coastal environments, please don’t hesitate to ask a lifeguard.

Remember … always swim near a lifeguard!

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