Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
A rip current (or just rip) is a specific type of water current that can occur near beaches where waves break. A rip is a strong, localized, and narrow current of water that moves directly away from the shore by cutting through the lines of breaking waves, like a river flowing out to sea.
Rip currents can flow quickly, are unpredictable, and come about from what happens to waves as they interact with the shape of the sea bed. In contrast, a rip tide is caused by tidal movements, as opposed to wave action, and is a predictable rise and fall of the water level. [3] The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ...
Here are some things to know about rip currents: What is a rip current? Rip currents are narrow columns of water flowing rapidly away from the beach, like a swift stream within the ocean. They don't pull swimmers under water, but can carry them out a fair distance from shore. Low spots along the beach, or areas near jetties or piers, are often ...
In contrast to undertow, rip currents are responsible for the great majority of drownings close to beaches. When a swimmer enters a rip current, it starts to carry them offshore. The swimmer can exit the rip current by swimming at right angles to the flow, parallel to the shore, or by simply treading water or floating until the rip releases them.
One of those dangers is rip currents. According to the National Weather Service, rip currents are the third leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. since 2013 — surpassing both ...
In the United States, rip currents claim about 100 lives annually. Skip to main content. Sign in. Mail. 24/7 Help. For premium support please call: 800-290-4726 more ways to reach ...
Rip currents are one of the most dangerous beach hazards, killing roughly 100 Americans per year. Here's how to identify them and stay safe over the July 4 holiday.
Here's how rip currents work and what you should do if you ever find yourself caught in one.