Rip currents

A rip current is a narrow channel of water flowing from the beach back out to sea. According to NOAA, it can move at speeds of up to 8 feet per second (2.4 m/ s), faster than an Olympic swimmer. It does not pull you under; it pulls you away from shore. People drown from exhaustion trying to swim straight against it.

How to spot one from the beach

• A stretch where waves do not break, between areas where they do.
• A strip of water that is darker, murkier, or carrying foam, seaweed, or debris moving out to sea.
• Choppy or churning water in a narrow channel.
• Look for the beach flag and the National Weather Service rip current risk advisories. High risk = do not go in.

If one catches you

1. Do not panic and do not fight the current. Keep your head above water and breathe.
2. Float. On your back, arms and legs extended, making only the movements you need. Many currents release you on their own beyond where the waves break.
3. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the channel. When you feel it no longer pulling you, swim diagonally toward the beach, using the waves.
4. If you cannot get out, keep floating or moving to stay afloat, face the beach, and wave your arms and shout for help.

If you see someone caught

1. Do not go in. Many rip current deaths are of people who went in to rescue someone else.
2. Alert the lifeguard if there is one. If not, call 911.
3. Throw them something that floats: an empty cooler, a board, a life ring, a large ball, a large empty bottle with a cap.
4. Shout instructions: "Float! Swim to the side!"
5. Do not lose sight of them and point them out to the rescuers.