Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers.  Every year in the US, rip currents cause over 100 drownings and account for more than 80% of all beach water rescues. These currents do not pull swimmers under water -- they pull swimmers away from the shore. Drowning deaths occur when swimmers are unable to stay afloat long enough to swim back to shore.

There are varying currents in the water along the same shoreline, and these currents continue to shift in direction and speed. The most dangerous currents are rip currents. Often incorrectly called "rip tides" or "undertows," rip currents are narrow, fast-moving belts of water that travel from the shore out into deeper water. 

Because rip currents can occur on any beach with breaking waves, everyone should know the basics of how to survive a rip current:

• The best survival tip is prevention. Avoid swimming in beaches when rip current advisories are in effect. On all Florida beaches, a red flag warns of strong current and surf conditions, while a yellow flag indicates moderate conditions. A green flag means the surf is calm.
• Swim only at guarded beaches during lifeguard duty hours, and ask them about surf conditions before entering the water.
• Never swim alone. The buddy system works! Keep an extra careful watch on children and elderly swimmers.
• If you do get caught in a rip current, remain calm and don’t try to swim against the current. Instead, swim out of the current in a perpendicular direction, following the shoreline. Once you are out of the current, swim back to shore.
• If you cannot swim out of the current, float or lightly tread water to conserve your energy until you are out of the current, then swim to shore.
• If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard or call 9-1-1.  Many people drown while trying to save others from a rip current.

For more information, please contact MDFR's Public Affairs Bureau at 786-331-5200.