The rip current is characterized by wave action on both sides, a deeper, sometimes choppy appearance in the center, and often muddy, cloudy water flowing outward past the breaking waves. A rip current is a narrow current which flows outward from shore. If you are caught in a rip current, remember not to panic, and simply swim parallel to shore until you are out of the current. Inshore Holes Inshore holes are very dangerous to non-swimmers and small children because they can be swept into deep water quickly. Inshore holes are caused by relentless wave action on the sandy bottom of our beaches.
Sand is pushed off shore during winter months.
Summer surf pushes it back toward the beach. This uneven bottom results in a dangerous condition. An unaware beach patron can be standing in waist deep water one moment, and step into a deep hole the next. This hole can be very deep, and the person may not be able to touch bottom. Many inshore holes act as feeders, channeling water into rip currents.