Danger Zone: Rip Current Survival Guide
A rip current is a narrow, fast-moving channel of water that starts near the beach and extends offshore through the line of breaking waves. If a swimmer gets caught in a rip current, the best thing they can do is stay calm. The current will not pull a swimmer underwater, but it will pull them away from shore. A swimmer caught in a rip current should float and wave for help. Do not try to swim back to shore or against the rip current. Part of the "Danger Zone" series.
Media Details
Runtime: 3 minutes 10 seconds
- Topic: Health and Safety, Science
- Subtopic: Oceanography, Safety, Weather
- Grade/Interest Level: 7 - 12
- Standards:
- Release Year: 2015
- Producer/Distributor: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Series: Danger Zone
- Report a Problem
Available Resources
Related Media

Danger Zone: Break the Grip of the Rip

Danger Zone: Rip Current Science

Danger Zone: Rip Current Survival Guide

Danger Zone: Tsunami Science--10 Years Since Sumatra

Danger Zone: The Making of a Super Storm

Danger Zone: Fuel for the Storm

Danger Zone: Hurricane Storm Surge

Danger Zone: Tsunami Awareness

Danger Zone: Waterspouts

Danger Zone: Tsunami Strike Japan (Part 1--Destruction)