Rip currents are a commonly overlooked beach hazard. Here's what you can do to stay safe in the water.

Rip currents are a major hazard at beaches, particularly during hurricane activity, even if the storm is located far offshore. These currents are caused by strong winds and waves that push water toward the shore, which then flows back to the ocean through narrow channels. Data from the past decade shows that rip currents and rough surf are the third leading cause of direct fatalities from tropical cyclones in the United States, with an average of 76 deaths annually—surpassing tornado-related deaths in some years.

To stay safe, experts recommend checking local forecasts for rip current warnings, setting up near lifeguard stands, and paying attention to warning flags. If caught in a rip current, the advised response is to flip onto your back, float to conserve energy, and follow the current until it is safe to swim perpendicular to it or until help arrives.

Rip currents: A danger beyond the storm

When a hurricane is near the coast, most people focus on the wind, rain and storm surge impacts. However, rip currents which can occur even if the storm is far offshore are often an overlooked beach hazard. Hurricanes, even those far offshore can cause dangerous rip currents due to the powerful winds and waves they generate. These strong winds push water towards the shore causing a buildup of water along the beach and then this excess water that needs to return to the ocean, and it often does so through a narrow concentrated channel called a rip current. Based on data from 2013 to 2023, rip currents and rough surf are the third highest cause of direct US fatalities from tropical cyclones, many of which occur due to storms that are located well offshore. Last year, rip currents claim more lives than tornadoes. Over the past decade, the average annual death toll from rip currents has been 76. So what can you do to stay safe? Well, first checking the Accuweather forecast. Not only will you get the forecast for your coastal location, but if we are worried about rip currents, there will be a special statement from our meteorologist that says watch for unusually rough surf and rip current so then you already have the heads up. Then you want to set up near a lifeguard stand according to the United States Life Saving Association. The likelihood of drowning at a beach under USLA lifeguard protection is one in 18 million. And of course, look out for those warning flags which indicate the safety of the water that day. If you do go into the water and end up getting caught in a rip current, this is my favorite advice from the Accuweather statistics. It's flip, float, follow. Very similar to the stop, drop and roll. We were all taught as young kids. Flip over on your back. Keep your head above water. Stay calm to conserve your energy. Don't fight the current you want to swim perpendicular to the flow. If you're too tired, just continue to float. Stay safe.

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