Facts about rip currents

 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 rip currents end just 

beyond the line of breaking waves; however, they may continue to pull hundreds of yards offshore.

 Rip currents do not pull people under 

the water—they pull people away from shore. 

 Rip currents are not “undertow” or 

“riptides.” These improper terms should not be used to describe them.

Safety tips Know how to swim. Never swim alone.  For maximum safety, swim 

near a lifeguard.

 Obey all instructions and orders 

from lifeguards.

 Be cautious at all times.  If in doubt, don’t go out!

Where can I get more information about rip currents? Before you leave for the beach, check 

the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Many offi ces issue a Surf Zone Forecast.

 When you arrive at the beach, ask onduty lifeguards about rip currents and 

any other hazards that may be present. 

 More information about rip currents 

can be found at the following web sites:

 www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov

www.usla.org

A break in the incoming wave pattern is one sign of a rip current.

United States Lifesaving Association statistics indicate that the chance of death by drowning at a beach protected by lifeguards is 1 in 18 million.

Chris Brewster, United States Lifesaving Association

NOAA’s National Weather Service, National Sea Grant College Program, and the United States Lifesaving Association are working to educate the public on the dangers of rip currents. 

NOAA PA 200455

rip_brochure_final.indd 1 ip_brochure_final.indd 1 
P CURRENTS BREAK THE GRIP OF THE RIP RIP CURRENTS BREAK THE GRIP OF THE RIP RIP CURRENTS BREAK T

What are some clues that a rip current may be present? A channel of churning, choppy water.  A difference in water color. A line of foam, seaweed or debris 

moving seaward.

 A break in the incoming wave pattern.What if I’m caught in a rip current? Stay calm. Don’t fi ght the current. Escape the current by swimming in a 

direction following the shoreline. When free of the current, swim at an angle—away from the current—toward shore.

 If you are unable to escape by 

swimming, fl oat or tread water. When the current weakens, swim at an angle away from the current toward shore. 

 If at any time you feel you will be 

unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself: face the shore, call or wave for help. 

How do I help someone else?Don’t become a victim while trying to help someone else! Many people have died in efforts to rescue rip current victims. Get help from a lifeguard.  If a lifeguard is not present, yell 

instructions on how to escape. 

 If possible, throw the rip current 

victim something that fl oats. 

 Call 9-1-1 for further assistance.

ip currents account for 80% of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards.

What are rip currents? Rip currents are channelized currents of 

water fl owing 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 quite common and can 

be found on many surf beaches every day, including Great Lakes 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 out to sea.

A lifegua

Rip currents often generate a plume of sediment moving away from shore.

Rip currents often form near coastal structures.

Dr. Tom Herrington, Stevens Institute of Technology

Lifeguard Captain Nick Steers, County of Los Angeles Fire Department

rip_brochure_final.indd 2 ip_brochure_final.indd 2