Danger From Rip Currents

In the US, rip currents cause approximately 100 drownings per year. 
About 80% of all swimmers rescued at beaches were endangered by rip 
currents (United States Lifesaving Association). Swimmers who understand 
rip currents can reduce their chances of being caught in one and 
increase their chances of survival if they are caught in a rip current.

What Is a Rip Current?

A rip current is a narrow region where water is flowing outward 
perpendicular to the shoreline. They usually range from 20 to 100 feet 
wide, but can occasionally be wider. The outward flowing current pulls 
even strong swimmers outward, but does not pull swimmers downward.

People associate rip currents with ocean beaches, but they can also 
occur on any beach that has waves large enough to break, including large 
lakes. Rip currents can occur where there is a natural break in an 
offshore sandbar or near a manmade structure such as a pier or jetty.