What exactly are rip tides and why are they so dangerous?
Rip tides, otherwise known as rip currents, are powerful, narrow channels of water flowing away from shore. They typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone and past the line of breaking waves. Rip tides are horizontal currents that do not pull people under the water, but do pull them away from the shore. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves and are generated through complex interactions between waves, currents and water levels. Contributing factors include winds, waves, swells, tides and the shape of the sandy ocean bottom. Why are rip tides dangerous? Because these currents typically run at speeds of 1–2 feet per second. Some rip currents have been measured at up to eight feet per second, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer can sprint … even Michael Phelps! Therefore, even the strongest swimmers can be easily swept out to sea. The United States Lifeguard Association reports over 100 drownings occur every year in the United States due to rip cur
