Rip Current

We all love the beach in the summer. The sun, the sand, and the surf. But just because we're having fun, doesn't mean we can forget about safety.

Transcript DR. GREG DUSEK:A rip current is a narrow, fast-moving channel of water that starts near the beach and extends offshore through the line of breaking waves. If you do get caught in a…

Transcript NARRATOR:We all love the beach in the summer. The sun, the sand, and the surf.  But just because we're having fun, doesn't mean we can forget about safety. Rip currents account for 80%…

Rip currents account for more than 80 percent of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards. They are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore that quickly pull swimmers out to sea. Rip currents…

'Seas the day' and head to the beach! Ever wonder what the weather will be like, how high the tide will be, if there is a rip current in the water outside of your hotel? NOAA…

Transcript BRUCKNER CHASE: What started out as something that I was afraid of, being in the ocean and not really being a strong swimmer, became a passion as I began to be exposed to areas like Monterey Bay…

Transcript NARRATOR:You might have heard them referred to as “undertow” or “rip tides,” but these ocean phenomena are actually rip currents. Rip currents are narrow currents in the surf zone…

Transcript NARRATOR:If you get caught in a rip current you want to know your options. The first thing is to relax, rip currents won’t pull you under, they will just pull you away from…

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the U.S., as well as along the shores of the Great Lakes.

During the month of June, join us as we share videos, images, and ocean facts to celebrate the beauty and importance of our ocean and coasts. Continue reading →

Rip currents account for more than 80 percent of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards. They are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore that quickly pull swimmers out to sea. Rip currents…

Here are some of the products and services provided by NOAA's National Ocean Service. The beach remains one of the most popular summer vacation destinations in the U.S. Both coastal residents and…

This image shows a rip current using a harmless green dye. Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the U.S., as well as along…

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