About 100 people die every year in the U.S. due to rip currents. Knowing what to do if you get caught in one can save your life
The old saying "never turn your back on the ocean" persists for good reason. It's a reminder for beachgoers to always remain vigilant when near the coast and to respect the powerful forces at work in the water. One such force is rip currents.
Rip currents make up roughly 80% of all beach rescues every year. That works out to tens of thousands of people being rescued annually. In 2023, rip currents in Florida killed more than 30 people. Knowing how to survive a rip current can save your life.
They're called rip currents, not rip tides
Rip currents are narrow, channelized flows of fast-moving water. They have nothing to do with tides. Rip currents typically form at breaks in sandbars and near structures, such as piers and jetties. They are often caused by waves breaking and pushing water up the beach face. As a result of the water flowing in, the water must flow back out to sea. Water will always take the path of least resistance, which, when it comes to rip currents, is often through a deeper water channel, or a "rip."
A rip tide, though also a current, is different from a rip current. As the term suggests, rip tides are produced by tides. They are caused by the tidal flow of water within enclosed tidal areas, such as marinas or estuaries. Rip tides are also referred to as tidal jets. They are more often a concern for boaters than they are for swimmers and surfers.
Break the grip of the rip
If you find yourself in the grip of a rip current, the first step is to remain calm. Many people caught in rip currents find themselves frantic, alone, and stuck in water over their heads. Feeling panicked and anxious is natural. However, your state of mind -- more so than your swimming skills -- could be the factor that saves your life.
Swimmers should take comfort in the fact that rip currents pull swimmers out to sea, not under the sea. With this in mind, a composed and clearheaded swimmer has options.
Option one is to swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current's pull. Once you've escaped the current, swim at an angle away from the current and towards the shore. Since most rip currents are less than 80 feet wide, a swimmer may not have far to go until they're in the clear.
Despite your first instinct to do so, do NOT swim directly towards the shore. Doing so is a waste of time. You will not get very far and will only exhaust yourself.
Option two is to remain as relaxed as possible and tread water or float until help arrives. Waving and calling for assistance can alert other swimmers or beachgoers. It may be worth remembering that by simply "floating it out" or going with the flow you may find yourself naturally drifting out of the current's clutch.
If in doubt, don't go out
Exercising basic caution and common sense can lower your chances of a fatal swimming accident. Keep these best practices in mind when you hit the beach.
- Only swim in lifeguard-protected areas
- Obey all instructions from posted signs and lifeguards. Take note of any warning flags on the beach and what their colors indicate.
- Never swim alone
- Stay at least 100 feet (30 meters) away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist alongside these structures.
If you see a swimmer struggling and suspect they may be caught in a rip current, get help from a lifeguard. If possible, throw the person something that floats, such as a life vest, swim ring, or surfboard. When attempting to assist a struggling swimmer, never enter the water without a flotation device.
For more information about rip currents, visit the National Weather Service's page How to Avoid Getting Caught in a Rip Current.