Why are rip currents dangerous?
Rip currents are dangerous because they can pull unprepared swimmers away from shore and into deeper offshore waters. They become especially dangerous when swimmers panic and struggle against the current while being pulled farther and farther away from the beach. Contrary to popular belief, rip currents do not pull a swimmer under the water. Rip currents can move at speeds of up to eight feet per second, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer! At these speeds, the force of a rip current is too strong for even the strongest of swimmers, and attempts to swim directly back toward shore, especially for the panicked and tired swimmer, can be fatal. In fact, rip currents claim more lives in Florida each year than do hurricanes, tornadoes and lightning. Get a clue When you take a trip to the beach, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from the potential dangers of rip currents. First, when you arrive at the beach, ask the on-duty lifeguards about the current rip current dang
