Even hurricanes far out at sea can trigger dangerous rip currents along the coast. AccuWeather's Ariella Scalese shares essential tips for staying safe when surf conditions turn rough.

Rip currents, often overlooked compared to wind, rain, and storm surge, are a significant beach hazard that can occur even when hurricanes are far offshore. The strong winds and waves generated by hurricanes push water toward the shore, creating narrow, powerful channels of water returning to the ocean known as rip currents.

Data from recent years shows that rip currents and rough surf are among the leading causes of fatalities related to tropical cyclones in the United States. Authorities recommend checking weather forecasts, staying near lifeguard stands, and observing warning flags at the beach. If caught in a rip current, experts advise remaining calm, floating, and swimming perpendicular to the current or waiting for rescue if tired.

The dangers of rip currents

When a hurricane is near the coast, most people focus on the wind and 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. This excess water that needs to return to the ocean, and it often does so through a narrow concentrated channel called rip currents. 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. According to the National Weather Service, just this year, dozens of people have died from rip currents and other surf zone hazards in the US over the past decade. The average annual death toll from recurrence has been 76. So what can you do to stay safe? Well, of course, continue to check in with the forecast even on a blue sunny sky day. And if we're worried about surf, there will be a tag in there that says watch for unusually rough surf and rip currents. Then you also 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 then look for those warning flags which indicate the safety of the water. That day, if you do end up going into the water and getting caught in a rip current, you want to flip float and follow. Excellent advice from the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. Flip over your back, keep your head above water, stay calm and conserve your energy and don't fight the current. You want to swim perpendicular to the flow, and if you're too tired, just continue to float until someone could come out and rescue. Stay safe this week for beach goers.

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East Coast of the United States

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Breakdown