Rip Currents

When swimming in open water, one of the most critical things to watch out for are rip currents. A rip current is a powerful, narrow channel of fast moving water. They can reach up to 8 feet per second - faster than an Olympic swimmer! Let’s discover how dangerous a rip current is and the safest way to get out of one.

How do rip currents form?

A rip current will form when waves break near the shoreline. This causes water to pile up in between the breaking waves and shore. They typically form at breaks in sandbars and are commonly found at any beach and the Great Lake beaches.

How to spot a rip current:

• A narrow gap of darker, seemingly calmer water between areas of breaking waves and whitewater.

• A channel of churning, choppy water.

• A difference in water color.

• A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward.

Why are they so dangerous - and how can we safely return to shore?

Rip currents can pull people away from the shore and their speeds can change very quickly. Even if you are an experienced swimmer, you can still get pulled out by a rip current. If you are caught in a rip current, remain calm. They won’t pull you under. Don’t fight and try and swim against the current, swim parallel to the shore and then angle yourself back towards the beach. Stick to areas that lifeguards are watching; rip currents make up about 80% of lifeguard rescues!

Conclusion

Take the time to understand what a rip current is - and how to get out of one! If you ever find yourself being pulled away from the shore, remember to stay calm and don’t fight the current. Swim parallel to the shore before angling yourself back to the beach. If you can remember this, you’ll already be safer in, and out, of the water!