“A typical rip current ranges from 50 to 100 feet wide and can extend 100 yards or more offshore. It can reach speeds of 5mph+ faster than Olympic swimmer”

Quick little video to familiarize yourself with what condition create rip currents, how to spot them. and what to do if you get caught. Please watch the video and find additional resources below from Weather.gov for further information on rip current and general water safety.

  • Watch Dr. Greg Dusek discuss rip current awareness.
  • Check water conditions before going in by looking at the local beach forecast before you leave for the beach and talking to the lifeguard at the beach.
  • Only swim at a beach with lifeguards. The chances of drowning at a beach with lifeguards are 1 in 18 million (U.S. Lifesaving Association).
  • Don’t assume! Great weather for the beach does not always mean it’s safe to swim or even play in the shallows. Rip currents often form on calm, sunny days.
  • What are scientists doing to keep swimmers safer? Find out in this video: Predict the Rip
  • Rip currents aren’t the only deadly beach hazard. Learn more about dangerous waves and other hazards and why you should never to turn your back on the ocean.\

images from weather.gov

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