How to Stay Safe Around Rip Currents

Rip currents carry unsuspecting swimmers out to sea all the time. Sadly, over 100 beach goers drown every year struggling against these currents, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Assocation has deemed the greatest surf threat to anyone at the beach. Although some currents are too strong for even Olympic swimmers to outrun, you can do your best to stay safe around them by following these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Look for signs of rip currents on the water's surface. Water that's churning, choppy or a discolored clue you into a rip current's presence. Also, watch for a chunks of debris moving rapidly out to sea.
2. Stay out the water when there's a strong undertow in the surf. Although undertow and rip currents aren't the same, they can both make it hard for you to swim back to shore.
3. Swim at lifeguarded beaches when possible. They're all trained to recognize water hazards and can warn you in advance of rip currents in the area.
4. Maintain a safe distance from jetties and piers. These disrupt the natural flow of water and often harbor permanent rip currents.
5. Follow the shoreline when swimming out of a rip current. Swimming directly back into shore won't work, but swimming horizontally pulls you out of harm's way.
6. Move diagonally back toward the beach once you're out of the rip current. This increases the distance between you and the current while bringing you closer to safety.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear polarized sunglasses when you're at the beach. These make spotting rip currents easier.
• Don't dive in after someone who's caught in a current. Many people drown trying to this. Instead, call for help--calling 911 or fetching a lifeguard work the best.