TOOLBOX TALK: RIP CURRENTS — KNOW WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU HIT THE WATER
DID YOU KNOW?
Rip currents can travel at speeds over 5 miles per hour — faster than an Olympic swimmer. [3] These powerful, narrow channels of water can pull even strong swimmers far from shore in seconds.
STAY INFORMED
- Rip currents, also called rip tides, are fast-moving channels of water flowing away from the beach. They form when water from breaking waves is funneled back to sea. [1]
- Weak swimmers should avoid deep water where rip currents may form. If pulled into one, trying to swim directly back to shore can exhaust you. [1]
- On average, 75 people die in the U.S. each year due to rip currents. Many of these tragedies happen close to shore and in seemingly calm conditions. [2]
- Even in shallow water, rip currents can knock you off your feet and carry you away.
HELPFUL TIPS
1. Swim at Lifeguard-Protected Beaches
- Never swim alone. Choose beaches monitored by lifeguards who can spot rip current risks and respond to emergencies. [1]
2. Avoid Swimming Near Structures
- Stay clear of piers, jetties, and sandbars — rip currents often form near these features. [1]
3. Stay Calm if Caught in a Current
- Don’t fight the current. Float or tread water, and swim parallel to the shoreline to escape. Once out of the current, swim diagonally back to shore.
4. Signal for Help
- Wave your arms and call out if you're in trouble. Lifeguards or bystanders can assist, but never attempt to rescue someone unless you're trained. [1]
WATER SAFETY REMINDER
Rip currents are powerful, unpredictable, and deadly. Understanding how they form — and what to do if caught in one — can save your life or someone else’s. Stay alert, swim smart, and never underestimate the ocean.