Staying Safe on a Surf Beach: What Are Rip Currents?

Sebastian J. Pitman, Shari L. Gallop, Robert W. Brander
2019 Frontiers for Young Minds  
Everyone enjoys visiting the beach and playing or swimming in the water, but sometimes, waves breaking on beaches can create strong, narrow currents that can pull you out of your depth and into deeper water, where you may find yourself in trouble. We call these rip currents, and they are the main cause of drowning and rescues on surf beaches. The best way to stay safe at the beach is to always swim near lifeguards and avoid swimming if there are none around. Two important things to know about
more » ... p currents are: (1) how to spot them; and (2) what to do if you get caught in one. That is what we want to tell you about in this article!
doi:10.3389/frym.2019.00033 fatcat:j7cdidxewvgjpofldmih3vggse