Rip Current Safety: Break the Grip of the Rip!

Rip currents can be described as a narrow flow of water away from shore and are common along beaches nationwide. They can be 50 to more than 300 feet wide, extend offshore 300 to 1300 feet (approximately a quarter mile), last minutes to months and move at speeds near 5 mph. A low speed of 5 mph doesn’t sound too hazardous, but it really is when you consider only Olympic swimmers are capable of moving at that pace. 

So what happens if you get caught in one? Let’s go through some tips on how to Break the Grip of the Rip!
 

• If you are caught in one, relax. Rip currents don’t pull you under.

• Don’t swim against the current. They are too strong and will only use up your energy.

• Do NOT swim directly to shore. It’s best to swim along the shoreline until you escape the current, then you can swim at an angle away from the current toward shore. 

• If you feel like you can’t make it to shore, wave for help.

• If in doubt, don’t go out!

• If possible, swim only at beaches with lifeguards. 

• Never swim alone, take a friend with a cell phone to dial 911 just in case.
 

Follow these steps and you will be far more prepared on your next summer vacation! On a side note, rip currents tend to be strongest at low tide but can occur anytime waves are breaking and can be semi-permanent around man-made structures. Most times rip currents can occur during calm, sunny days with only 2 to 3 feet high waves. 

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Courtesy of NOAA/NWS

Image courtesy: Pixabay.com