As Atlantic hurricanes make their way up the northeastern coast of the United States and Canada each summer, the intense winds and low-pressure system can drastically alter oceanic conditions.
As the winds get more intense and the waves get larger, there’s a greater chance for dangerous rip currents, rip tides and undertows. These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are significant differences between them.
What are Rip Currents?
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that flow away from the shoreline and into the open sea. They’re a common and potentially dangerous oceanic phenomenon that can pull strong swimmers hundreds of yards away from the beach.
Rip currents typically form when large volumes of water brought in by waves and tides find a way to escape back to deeper waters. The mix of strong winds, storm surge, powerful waves, and coastal geography during a hurricane can create the ideal conditions for rip currents to form. They appear darker and choppier than the surrounding water, and they often create visible channels or "rip lanes" between breaking waves.
What are Rip Tides?
Rip tides occur in an inlet, small bay or lagoon and are caused by tidal changes
Rip tides are similar to rip currents. They can be dangerous, able to take swimmers hundreds of yards out to sea. The major difference is, rip tides occur with an outgoing tide.
As the tide goes out, it pulls fast-moving currents of water from an inlet, lagoon, small bay or river mouth out to sea. It’s very dangerous to swim in these conditions, though experienced sailors can use them to their advantage as long as they’re going with the current’s flow.
What’s an Undertow?
Undertow is the undercurrent moving offshore as waves approach the shore. In other words, it’s the current below the surface, moving in a different direction from the current on the surface. An undertow will stop with the next breaking wave.
Undertows can pull a swimmer underwater, but they will not carry them out to sea. But they are a hazard for small children and inexperienced swimmers.
How do I Stay Safe?
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Stay Informed: Before hitting the beach, check for local weather and surf conditions. Pay attention to riptide warning flags or signs posted by lifeguards. They often indicate the presence of rip currents.
Don't Panic: If you find yourself caught in a rip current, rip tide or undertow, remain calm. Panic can lead to exhaustion and poor decision-making.
Don't Swim Against the Pull: Do not try to swim directly back to shore against the undertow’s pull. Rip currents can be deceptively strong, and fighting against them is often futile.
Swim Parallel: Instead of swimming against the current, swim parallel to the shore, following the coastline.
Float or Tread Water: If swimming parallel is challenging, conserve your energy by floating or treading water. Wave for assistance from lifeguards or nearby swimmers.
Use Buoyancy: If available, use any flotation devices, such as boogie boards or surfboards, to help you stay afloat.
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