Rip Currents - What You Should Know

Information provided by NOAA...

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the Gulf and other bodies of water.

Moving at speeds of up to eight feet per second, rip currents can move faster than an Olympic swimmer.

Lifeguards rescue tens of thousands of people from rip currents in the U.S. every year, but it is estimated that 100 people are killed by rip currents annually.

If caught in a rip current, don't swim against the current. Swim parallel to the shore and swim back to land at an angle.