Does the National Weather Service issue Rip Current Advisories or Warnings?
The National Weather Service does not issue, and will not issue, Rip Current Advisories or Warnings. That action is the responsibility of the local beach patrol, local lifeguards, or local law enforcement officials. The National Weather Service, however, does issue Surf Zone Forecasts for some coastal areas, which contain Rip Current Outlooks. Rip Current Outlooks use the following, three-tiered set of qualifiers: Low Risk of rip currents. Wind and/or wave conditions are not expected to support the development of rip currents; however, rip currents can sometimes occur, especially in the vicinity of groins, jetties, and piers. Know how to swim and heed the advice of lifeguards. Moderate Risk of rip currents. Wind and/or wave conditions support stronger or more frequent rip currents. Only experienced surf swimmers should enter the water. High Risk of rip currents. Wind and/or wave conditions support dangerous rip currents. Rip currents are life-threatening to anyone entering the surf.
