A powerful, narrow channel of water that flows rapidly away from shore through the surf zone, forming where breaking waves push water toward the beach faster than it can drain evenly back out, concentrating the return flow through a gap in a sandbar or near a jetty. Rip currents are among the leading causes of surf rescues and drownings worldwide, because a swimmer caught in one is carried out to sea rather than pulled under, and swimming directly against the current rarely succeeds. Escaping one is best done by swimming parallel to shore until clear of the narrow channel, then swimming back in at an angle.
Facts
Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceIdentifiable by a break in the wave pattern where the water looks flat, plus a channel of foam and water that looks more opaque, cloudier or muddier than the surrounding surf 1 ScaleRip currents can move at speeds up to eight feet per second, faster than an Olympic swimmer 2 Sources
1. Rip current, Wikipedia
Visible characteristics sectionQuote, Visible characteristics section
The following are some visual characteristics that can be used to identify a rip: A noticeable break in the pattern of the waves - the water often looks flat at the rip, in contrast to the lines of breaking waves on either side of the rip.
2. What is a rip current?, NOAA National Ocean Service
Main textQuote, Main text
Moving at speeds of up to eight feet per second, rip currents can move faster than an Olympic swimmer.
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