National Weather Service Warning: Watch Out For Rip Currents

SANTA MONICA, CA — Before you head to the beach, the National Weather Service is advising people to watch out for rip tides and elevated surf this week.

The NWS issued a surf forecast Monday afternoon warning locals of a high risk of rip currents.

Rip currents or rip tides are powerful currents of water that move away from the shore.

Expect relatively small-scale surf-zone current moving away from the beach Monday through Tuesday and a more moderate risk of rip currents beginning Wednesday, the NWS reports.

"Rip currents form as waves disperse along the beach causing water to become trapped between the beach and a sandbar or other underwater feature," according to the NWS. "The water converges into a narrow, river-like channel moving away from the shore at high speed."

Rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer away from the shore, according to NWS.

If you get caught in a rip current, remember the following:

• Relax. Rip currents don't pull you under.
• Don't swim against the current.
• Swim out and away from the current, then move to shore.
• If you can't escape, then float or tread water.
• If you need help, yell or wave for assistance.

The NWS advises swimmers to swim near a lifeguard at the beach and follow these other important safety measures:

• Know how to swim.
• Never go swimming alone.
• If in doubt, don't go out.

"Please check with your local authorities on potential beach closures," the NWS reports.

To learn more about rip currents and how to identify them, learn more on the website.

Are you planning on heading to the beach next weekend? A long-period south swell could bring strong rip currents and elevated surf to #SoCal beaches Fri-Sun. Always swim near a lifeguard! #CAsurf #KnowBeforeYouGo pic.twitter.com/xpLYKQLSvC
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) June 29, 2020

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