Rips are strong currents that run out to the sea. They are the cause of most of the rescues that happen at beaches. These rip currents usually occur when a channel forms between a sandbar and the shore. Large waves then build up water which returns to the sea, creating a drag effect that could be very dangerous for those caught in it. These rip currents are strongest when the surf area is large.

Rip Currents

They can carry swimmers out to deeper waters, which could result in drowning accidents if the swimmers happen to be tired or weak. You can identify a rip current by the presence of dark or murky water, and waves that break further out to sea on the sides of the rip debris. If you ever find yourself caught in one, stay calm and swim parallel to the shore for about 40 metres until you get to the breaking wave zone. Then swim back to shore, or signal for someone to help you.