Read the rip-current forecast before you swim

Why the forecast matters

Rip currents are a major beach-rescue hazard

NOAA says rip currents account for more than 80% of rescues made by surf-beach lifeguards. A rip current is a focused stream of water moving away from shore through the surf zone. It can carry even a strong swimmer away from the beach, but it does not pull a person under the water.

• Rip currents often form near breaks in sandbars and beside piers, jetties, groins, and reefs.
• A darker or apparently calmer gap between breaking waves can be a current moving seaward—not a safer place to enter.
• Long-period swell can raise the risk even when local weather is pleasant and the ocean surface does not look rough.
• Breaking waves can also create dangerous currents at Great Lakes beaches, so this is not only an ocean-coast concern.

Low, moderate, and high

Read the risk level as a decision tool—not a guarantee

The Rip Current Outlook within the local NWS Surf Zone Forecast uses standardized risk language. The forecast describes how favorable wind and wave conditions are for dangerous currents; it cannot identify every current at every moment along a beach.

Low risk

Dangerous rip currents are not broadly expected, but they can still form—especially near piers, jetties, groins, reefs, and breaks in sandbars. Swim near a lifeguard and stay cautious.

Moderate risk

Life-threatening rip currents are possible and can appear suddenly. The official NHC guidance says only experienced surf swimmers should enter the water.

High risk

Life-threatening rip currents are likely. NHC guidance says swimming conditions are unsafe for every level of swimmer; stay out of the water and follow lifeguard instructions.

No forecast data

Unknown does not mean safe. A forecast may be unavailable or not issued for that beach. Ask the local beach patrol and use posted flags and signs before entering the water.

Use the exact product name

Outlooks, forecasts, watches, and warnings mean different things

Beach information can include several products from different authorities. Read the title, location, valid time, and instructions instead of treating every colored banner or flag as the same alert.

Outlook

An outlook is an early assessment of a hazard that may develop. The Rip Current Outlook is included in the NWS Surf Zone Forecast during the local swimming season and assigns a low, moderate, or high risk.

Forecast

A forecast describes expected conditions for a defined place and time. A Surf Zone Forecast may include surf height, weather, wind, water temperature, thunderstorms, and the rip-current outlook. Conditions at one beach can still vary.

Watch

A watch means a specified hazard is possible and people should be prepared to act. A Coastal Flood Watch or another coastal watch does not substitute for the rip-current forecast and may address a different hazard.

Warning

A warning means the named hazard is expected, imminent, or occurring. The NWS states that it does not issue Rip Current Advisories or Rip Current Warnings; local beach patrols, lifeguards, and law enforcement manage beach flags and swimming restrictions. NWS may issue separate products such as a High Surf Warning for dangerous breaking waves.

A low rip-current risk does not cancel a high-surf product, a lifeguard closure, or a local red flag. The newest instruction for the exact beach always takes priority.

Before leaving home

Build the beach plan around lifeguards and current conditions

The most effective safety choice happens before anyone enters the water. Choose a guarded beach, check the weather and surf-zone forecast, and be willing to change plans when the ocean is unsafe.

1. Check the local NWS forecast, active alerts, and the Surf Zone Forecast or rip-current outlook for the beach—not only the city forecast or the weather where you started your trip.
2. Confirm that lifeguards will be present and set up near a lifeguard stand. Ask about current hazards before entering.
3. Read posted flags and signs. Local flags describe observed beach conditions and can change after the morning forecast was issued.
4. Never swim alone. Keep children and less-experienced swimmers within immediate reach, and do not depend on inflatable toys as safety equipment.
5. Stay away from piers, jetties, and other structures where strong permanent or recurring currents can form.
6. If thunder is heard, leave the beach and move into a substantial building or enclosed hard-topped vehicle. A beach shelter or umbrella is not lightning protection.

If the current catches you

Relax, float, signal, and move along the shoreline

Panic and a direct swim against the current can quickly exhaust a swimmer. The official guidance focuses on conserving energy and getting out of the narrow flow rather than overpowering it.

1. Stay calm. Float or tread water and remember that a rip current carries you away from shore; it does not pull you beneath the surface.
2. Do not swim directly against the current toward shore. Move in a direction following the shoreline or toward breaking waves until you are out of the current's pull.
3. When free of the current, swim at an angle away from it and back toward shore. Use incoming waves to help when possible.
4. If you cannot make progress or need rest, keep floating, face shore, wave, and yell for help.

If someone else is in trouble

Call, throw, and guide—do not make an untrained water rescue

Would-be rescuers can also drown. The safest response is to alert trained help, keep the swimmer afloat, and avoid entering the water yourself.

• Alert a lifeguard immediately; if none is present, call 911.
• Throw the person something that floats, such as a life jacket, rescue buoy, bodyboard, cooler, or beach ball.
• Tell the swimmer to float, remain calm, and move in a direction following the shoreline to escape the current.
• Do not form a human chain or enter the water without training and flotation equipment.