#dontfighttherip

To spot a rip current, look for a channel of dark, deeper water with a different surface texture, a path of foam or debris flowing seaward, or a gap in the breaking waves. To survive a rip current, stay calm, float to conserve energy, and swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current, then swim back to shore at an angle towards the breaking waves. If you can't escape, wave and yell for help. 

How to Spot a Rip Current

Water Color and Surface:

Look for a deeper, darker channel of water or a rippled surface surrounded by smooth water. 

Breaking Waves:

Observe a break in the pattern of incoming waves. 

Foam, Debris, or Sand:

Watch for foam, seaweed, or sand being pulled steadily away from the shore in a channel. 

Dips in the Shoreline:

A dip or an area where water reaches further up the beach can indicate a rip current. 

Safe Zones:

Always swim at a guarded beach and check for red and yellow flags, which indicate the safest swim area, or ask a lifeguard about current conditions.