Rip Current Awareness: What Every Beachgoer Needs to Know

Perhaps one day while you're enjoying the warm water and beautiful weather at the beach, you find yourself drifting away from shore. Stay calm! You may be caught in a rip current, and we've got information to help keep you safe.

Key Points

• Rip currents are responsible for 100 drowning deaths each year in the U.S.

• Swim parallel to the shore to escape.

• Rip currents can happen any time of day.

Know Before You Go

Rip currents are powerful, fast-moving channels of water that flow away from the shore. They form when waves break strongly in some locations and weakly in others, creating a narrow flow of water that pulls directly away from the beach.

They can move faster than an Olympic swimmer and are responsible for roughly 100 drowning deaths each year in the United States. These currents are one of the most common and dangerous natural hazards at US beaches.

Rather than fighting the current, think of it like a treadmill you can't turn off; the goal is to "step to the side" by swimming parallel to the shoreline. Rip currents typically weaken once they pass the breaking waves, at which point you should swim further down the beach before attempting to return to shore. 

Credit NOAA

Check Your Surroundings

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends checking out the ocean when you arrive at the beach. Rip currents are easier to spot from an elevated position, like a dune line or beach access. Look for places where waves aren’t breaking, or flat spots in the line of breaking waves.

They’re most common near sandbars, piers, or breaks in the shoreline, and they can form anywhere along the coast. Contrary to popular belief, rip currents can happen any time, even the calmest, sunniest days.

Key Safety Information:

• Check beach flags: red flags indicate high rip current risk

• Lifeguards: if possible, swim near a lifeguard

• Escape method: Swim parallel to the shoreline until free, then swim back to shore at an angle. Stay calm. Do not swim against the current. If unable to do this, tread water, face the shore and wave for assistance.

• Do not attempt to rescue: If you see someone caught in a rip current, alert a lifeguard or call 911.

Common misconceptions:

• Rip currents don’t pull you under; they pull you away from shore. 

  
  

• These currents may occur at any time, though they are often stronger around low tide.

Come Stay Safe With Us at Grand Palms Resort

Make sure to implement all your rip tide knowledge the next time you head to the beach during your Grand Palms Resort vacation. The Resort is just a short drive to the beach and we even offer complimentary shuttle rides for you to save on parking. To reserve your stay, call 888-913-4477 and one of our Guest Services Representatives would be happy to help you plan your next vacation with us.

Kristen Meeker

(She/her)

Kristen spent her childhood on the Grand Strand. She studied English and editing in college, spent time in Appalachia and currently lives in the Pacific Northwest. Kristen enjoys quilting, reading, and traveling with her family. She makes her way back to the beach as often as she can!