How Do You Recognize And Escape A Rip Current?
A rip current is a very strong channel of water flowing away from the shoreline at a very fast pace. When water is pushed towards the shore by waves, that water is often pushed sideways by more oncoming waves. This backwash of water travels along the shoreline until it reaches an exit back to the sea, thus creating the rip current at that location. Rip tides can occur at any beach with breaking waves and even at some large lakes. A rip current, unlike an undertow, is more powerful towards the top. RECOGNIZING A RIP CURRENT Rip currents can be recognized by the following: – Unusually calm waters that are caused by a channel of water flowing out towards the sea. – A different color of water compared to the surrounding water. – A waterline on the shore that is lower than the surrounding areas of shoreline. Rip currents are usually narrow and are sometimes located in between sandbars, under piers, or near jetties. ESCAPING A RIP CURRENT If you get caught in a rip current, do not fight it.
