Weather Tidbits: Rip Current Safety

In this edition of weather tidbits, we’ll be discussing rip current safety. Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast moving water that are seen along the east, Gulf, and west coasts of the United States. It is a localized current that flows away from the shoreline toward the ocean. They can reach speeds of 1 to 2 feet per second, but can go as fast as 8 feet per second. This is faster than any Olympic swimmer on record. If you are caught in a rip current, don’t fight it or panic. Swim parallel to the shore to escape the current. If you can’t escape, float or tread the water. Lastly, if you need help, call or wave for assistance from a lifeguard.