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Rip currents are the proximate cause of 80% of rescues carried out by beach lifeguards. [10] 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.
What causes rip currents? Rip currents are caused by the interaction of waves, tides, and underwater topography. When waves break unevenly, the water flows back out to sea in concentrated channels.
Most ocean drowning deaths are caused by rip currents, said Anna Stewart, manager of the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County. People who are caught in a rip current should turn over ...
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 ...
Hurricane Lee is expected to cause dangerous rip currents and huge waves along the U.S. East Coast. Here’s what to know about rip current safety.
A rip current is a strong, narrow jet of water that moves away from the beach and into the ocean as a result of local wave motion. Rip currents can flow quickly, are unpredictable, and come about from what happens to waves as they interact with the shape of the sea bed. In contrast, a rip tide is caused by tidal movements, as opposed to wave ...
Rip currents are forceful currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches and usually extend from near the shoreline, through the surf zone and past the line of breaking waves, the ...
Rip currents are one of the most dangerous beach hazards, killing roughly 100 Americans per year. Here's how to identify them and stay safe over the July 4 holiday.