Definition: Hurricanes, tropical storms, and high winds can cause increased risk on the beach. Rip currents or undertows are dangerous rivers of water that flow outward away from the shore. During high surf conditions they are most likely to cause problems. Rip currents most typically form at breaks in sandbars and can be narrow or extend to hundreds of yards.
Where do Undertows Occur?
A rip current can occur anywhere there is a shoreline. Even fresh water bodies like the Great Lakes can be affected by these dangerous rivers of water. It is estimated that over 100 people per year lose their lives in a rip current. Go to the US Lifesaving Association statistics page for more details.
Images and Movies of Rip Currents
- Photos of Rip Currents in Delaware, New Jersey, and California
- Animation of a Swimmer in a Rip Current
- Rip Current Footage
- Educational Use: Rip Current Jeopardy Game in PowerPoint
- 9 Minute Video on Rip Current Education
- Free Poster on Safety
- Video of a Lifeguard Talking about Undertows
Rip Current Forecasts
Surfers and vactioners of all ages should be aware of the risks of rip currents. If you are fearful for yourself or your loved ones, you can get a beach outlook for rip current risk. Rated as low, moderate, or high risk, beaches all around the United States are monitored for your safety. Go to the rip current risk forecast page. (Also known as the SurfZone forecast.)
Family Safety for Beach Vacations
Check the National Weather Service Rip Current page for more details on staying safe in the ocean.Also Known As: Undertows or rip tides
