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Rip Current Science

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the U.S., as well as along the shores of the Great Lakes. Moving at speeds of up to eight feet per second, rip currents can move faster than an Olympic swimmer. Lifeguards rescue tens of thousands of people from rip currents in the U.S. every year, but it is estimated that 100 people are killed by rip currents annually. Educating yourself about what to do if caught in a rip current is vital. Don't fight it! Swim parallel to the shore and swim back to land at an angle.

NOAA Ocean Today has a set of four videos that explain how to survive a rip current which you can watch here