Rip Currents

Often called undertows, these powerful currents are formed when the ocean water rushes back to sea in a narrow path. Rip currents can pull even experienced swimmers away from shore. They may vary in duration, width and speed.

Rip currents may be visible as a difference in water color or in the waves. A rip current may have choppier waves or an offshore area of turbid water, along with foam or objects moving steadily seaward. 

If you’re caught in a rip current, don’t panic or try to swim against the current. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the rip current. If you can’t break out of the current, float calmly until it fades, then swim diagonally back to shore.