Rip Currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore, capable of sweeping even the strongest swimmers out to sea.

Rip currents are often called “killer currents” for a good reason.  Although estimates vary, rip currents are responsible for approximately 150 deaths every year and probably thousands worldwide. 
This statistic makes rip currents deadlier to humans than tornadoes, lightning, and hurricanes combined.
Over 75% of all rescues on surf beaches are the result of rip currents.  This fact emphasizes the importance of always swimming near a lifeguard and staying out of the water when strong rip currents are present.

In order to better understand the circumstances surrounding a rip current drowning or near-drowning at surf beaches, we strongly encourage safety professionals and researchers to take the opportunity to complete the Rip Current Event Reporting Form found on this website whenever somebody falls victim to the dangerous and often deadly effects of a rip current. 
Your participation in this program will help us save lives.

Learn how to identify and avoid rip currents.
Always swim near a lifeguard.
Never drink alcohol before swimming.