Are rip currents and undertows different?
Rip currents are not undertow or riptides. These are obsolete terms. In some areas, people have used the term undertow to describe the combination of being knocked down, pulled out, and submerged due to a lack of swimming ability and/or lack of knowing what to do to escape. This is where the myth formed that a rip current (or undertow) pulls you under water. A rip current pulls you out, not under. Why do some people use terms like runouts and rip tides when you are calling them rip currents? These terms, though once commonly used in certain regions or time periods, are now considered to be incorrect. The National Weather Service, Sea Grant, and the USLA are working together to use consistent terminology to provide a clear rip current safety message to the public. Where should I look for rip currents? Rip currents can be found on many surf beaches every day. Rip currents most typically form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as groins, jetties and piers. R
