Escaping Rip Currents

Rip currents are the cause of over 80% of lifeguard rescues at surf beaches – over 40,000 a year in the US alone! They are presumed to be the cause of over 80% of drowning deaths at surf beaches. The United States Lifesaving Association, in partnership with NOAA’s National Weather Service and National Sea Grant Program, is working to raise awareness about the dangers of rip currents. Research is being conducted by NOAA and Sea Grant in order to develop and improve the ability to predict the occurrence and strength of rip currents. The goal of the awareness campaign and research is to reduce the number of rip current related fatalities. To learn about rip currents, how to avoid them, and ways you might escape them, read more at the United States Lifesaving Association website.