The water itself poses the greatest danger to beachgoers, surpassing the threats of sharks, jellyfish, and other marine creatures. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, rip currents account for almost 80% of all lifeguard rescues.
Understanding what rip currents are, how they form, and how to escape their potentially fatal grip is crucial for beach safety.
Rip currents are powerful water channels that can drag swimmers away from the shore and into the open ocean. Each year, over 100 individuals lose their lives due to these currents, as reported by the United States Lifesaving Association.
Rip currents can vary in width and strength. They can be as narrow as 10 to 20 feet or exceed ten times that width, as indicated by the National Weather Service (NWS). Their speed can exceed 5 miles per hour, surpassing that of Olympic swimmers.