How to Stay Safe from Rip Currents

have brought the dangers of rip currents to the forefront of summer beachgoers. While dangerous, rip currents can be avoided outright if you take certain precautions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration offers some tips and recognizing and avoiding rip currents.

What are rip currents?: Rip currents are fast-moving belts of water moving off-shore that are caused when strong waves break in areas next to weak waves breaking.

When are rip currents most likely to occur?: Rip currents can happen all the time in the Gulf. The stronger currents are more likely to form during high surf conditions when the waves get larger and more frequent.

How do I spot a rip current?: Some of the signs of rip currents are:

• Churning water
• Different colored water 
• Seaweed or foam being pushed away from the beach
• A break in the wave patterns

You may see some, or all, of these occur when rip currents are active.

If caught in a rip current, what should I do?: Stay calm and assess your surroundings. Trying to swim against the current will only tire you out. Instead, swim to one side along the coast until you're free from the current and then swim back to shore. If you're unable to swim out of the current, you should tread water and wait for the current to break. If you still can't break from the current, face the shore and call attention for help. Check the illustration above for a clear example of how to escape.

What should I do if someone is caught in a rip current?: Get the attention of a lifeguard or call 911. Yell out the instructions on how to escape the current and throw them a floatation device. Don't try to swim out to save the individual. Many people drown while trying to save someone from a rip current.