Rip currents, explained

Mobile, Ala. (WPMI) — A rip current is a narrow channel of water that flows away from the beach, against the waves. They happen on beaches around the world on oceans, bays and large lakes. They are not always easy to spot.

Rip currents are a huge beach hazard, leading to drownings. Know what they are and how to escape from one. They can be caused by sandbars or man-made barriers and they are influenced by wind speed and direction. Rip currents may happen in the same spot frequently but they certainly can migrate over days and over hours.

Even the best swimmer cannot swim against a strong rip current. If you get caught in one, don’t fight it. Instead of trying to swim directly to the beach, just swim parallel to the beach to get out of the current. Once you feel it ease up, then swim to the beach. Yell for help when you need it. You can also just float in the current, yelling for help, and when you feel it ease up, then swim on an angle to the beach.

When you know the safety rules, you can survive a rip current. Here are safety rules and how to spot rip currents, from NOAA.