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If the current is funneling back to shore, you may also be able to float or tread water out of the rip. If you can't exit the rip current, yell and wave for help. More: How to keep swimming in the ...
Why are rip currents dangerous? Rip currents have been measured at speeds of more than 5 miles per hour, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer. They can quickly sweep away even the strongest of ...
However, the strong current can be dangerous and tiring to swim against. How long do rip currents last? Rip currents can vary in duration, lasting from minutes to hours.
Rip currents typically flow at about 0.5 m/s (1.6 ft/s). They can be as fast as 2.5 m/s (8.2 ft/s), which is faster than any human can swim. Most rip currents are fairly narrow, and even the widest rip currents are not very wide. Swimmers can usually exit the rip easily by swimming at a right angle to the flow, parallel to the beach.
Here are some things to know about rip currents: What is a rip current? Rip currents are narrow columns of water flowing rapidly away from the beach, like a swift stream within the ocean. They don't pull swimmers under water, but can carry them out a fair distance from shore. Low spots along the beach, or areas near jetties or piers, are often ...
Hot Water Beach is known for its dangerous rip currents, holes and large waves. Signs at the beach advise swimmers not to swim within 50 m either side of the off-shore rocks (opposite the springs), and to only swim between the flags of the Hot Water Beach Lifeguard Service. [4]
About 100 people drown from rip currents along U.S. beaches each year, according to the United States Lifesaving Associat Things to know about dangerous rip currents and how swimmers caught in one ...
It can be dangerous to try to rescue someone caught in a rip current, officials say. Often the people trying to perform the rescue can get into trouble themselves. It's best to find a lifeguard, if there is one, or call 911 if a struggling swimmer is spotted.