🌊 Rip Current Safety: Know Before You Go! 🚨
Rip currents are the #1 hazard on any beach with breaking waves. These powerful channels of water flow quickly away from shore, pulling you out to sea. They are NOT "undertow" and they do NOT pull you under—they pull you out.
🛑 If Caught in a Rip Current: Stay Calm!
Panicking is the greatest danger. Do not fight the current.
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FLOAT & YELL: Stay calm, tread water, and wave your arms to get attention.
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SWIM SIDEWAYS: Swim parallel to the shore. Rip currents are narrow (usually less than 100 feet wide). A short swim sideways will get you out of the pull.
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ANGLE BACK: Once you're out of the current's pull, swim back to the beach at an angle.
✅ Spotting the Danger
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Look for a flat spot or a gap in the line of breaking waves.
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Watch for a channel of churning, choppy water or debris moving steadily away from the beach.
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Always swim at a beach protected by lifeguards.
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Pay attention to the beach flag warning system!
