Whether your favorite activity is swimming, body surfing, rafting, kayaking or boogie boarding, here are the major causes of accidents and ways you can avoid injury. They range in speed from fast-flowing to subtle movement. These currents pose little threat to the average swimmer, but weaker swimmers can be pulled into rip currents and heavy surf simply by the force of lateral currents. Rip Currents Rip currents are the major cause of surf accidents. They are characterized by a strong flow of water rushing back out to sea.
Rip currents occur when large amounts of water accumulate near shore due to natural wave action.
Since water seeks its own level, the broken waves take the path of least resistance. This powerful flow of water can pull even strong swimmers into deep water. Depending on lateral currents, rip currents can be fixed at one location or can occur at more than one point along the beach. Large rip currents can be recognized by the sandy discoloration of the water . Backwash Backwash usually occurs with high tides on beaches that rise sharply away from the water's edge.