Summer Storms Can Cause Rip Currents

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Rip Currents can be life threatening. Learn the tips in this article to keep you and your family safe!

What Are Rip Currents?

* Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches.

* Rip currents typically form at breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as jetties and piers.

* Rip currents are commonly found on all surf beaches.

Why Are Rip Currents Dangerous?

* Rip currents pull people away from shore.

* Rip current speeds can vary from moment to moment and can quickly increase to become dangerous to anyone entering the surf.

* Rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer away from shore.

* A scientific review of data provided to the United States Lifesaving Association found that there are over 100 deaths each year in the U.S. attributed to rip currents.

* Rip currents account for over 80% of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards.

What Are Clues That Rip Currents Are Present?

* 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.

How Can I Protect Myself From Rip Currents?

* Always swim in an area protected by lifeguards

* Consult lifeguards before entering the water.

* Assume that rip currents are always present at surf beaches. 

* Learn to swim in the surf and make sure your children can swim in the surf. Pool swimming is not the same as swimming at a surf beach.

 * Learn to identify rip currents and take the time to evaluate the water before you enter the water.

What If I'm Caught In a Rip Current?

* Relax, rip currents don't pull you under.

* Don’t swim against the current.

* You may be able to escape by swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach.

* You may be able to escape by floating or treading water if the current circulates back toward shore.

* If you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself. If you need help, yell and wave for assistance.

How Do I Help Someone Else?

***Don't become a victim while trying to help someone else!  Many people have died trying to help a friend in a rip current!

* Get help from a lifeguard.

* If a lifeguard is not present, call 9-1-1, then try to direct the victim to swim following the shoreline to escape.

* If possible, throw the rip current victim something that floats.

* Never enter the water without a flotation device.

Facts About Rip Currents

* Rip currents do not pull people under the water—they pull people away from shore.

* Rip current speeds vary. Average speeds are 1-2 feet per second, but they have been measured as fast as 8 feet per second—faster than an Olympic swimmer!

* Rip currents can be very narrow or more than 50 yards wide.

* Sometimes a rip current ends just beyond the line of breaking waves; however, others may continue to flow hundreds of yards offshore.

* Rip currents are sometimes mistakenly called undertow or riptides but these terms are not correct. Only the term rip currents is technically correct.

SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge & SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton hope these tips help keep you and your family safe at the beach this summer!

SOURCE: usla.org/ripcurrents