What Makes Rip Currents so Hazardous?
Education and communication are the keys to rip current safety. Many people, especially tourists, who visit a surf beach for a vacation are unaware of the danger rip currents pose. Swimming in a lake or pool is quite a different experience than swimming where waves and currents can move you around like a toy. When at the beach, the best source of information is the local beach patrol, who know all of the local nuances of beach safety, including the location and strength of rip currents. Make sure you ask them about conditions before going into the surf. At unguarded beaches, look for signs or flags to learn about any dangers and heed any advice given by these sources. Rip currents are often hard to identify, especially when the surf is roughened by wind-driven waves. There are, however, visual clues that are helpful in determining where a rip current is located. Unfortunately, most people overlook the warning signs or do not recognize them. Furthermore, many people assume that fair wea
