Never drink alcohol before swimming. Check with the lifeguards for current ocean conditions. These giants crash much farther up the beach than normal waves. They can knock down both children and adults, and drag them into deep water. Always keep an eye on the surf and keep children away from the foam line.
Rip currents are swift rivers of backwash surging through the surf.
Early breaking waves and choppy foamy or discolored water mark these danger zones. If caught in a rip current, do not swim against it. Swim parallel to the beach until free of the current, then head for shore. On steep beaches, even normal waves create a dangerous backwash of water rushing back into the sea.