Be on the lookout for rip currents when swimming in the ocean

What is a Rip Current?

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 the shore. They may vary in duration, width and speed.

Signs of a Rip Current...

Rip currents may be visible as a difference in water color or a difference 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.

What to do in a Rip Current...

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 current. If you can’t break out of the current, float calmly until it fades, then swim diagonally to shore.