| |
(Rip
Current - La Jolla Shores) |
From
(NOAA/NWS):
Rip currents are powerful,
channeled
currents of water flowing away from
shore.
They typically extend from the shoreline,
through the surf zone, and past the line
of breaking waves. Rip currents can occur
at any beach
with breaking waves, including the
Great Lakes. |
|
| |
Rip currents are most
likely to occur at low spots or breaks in
sandbars, and also near structures such
as... piers or breakwaters.
How
to identify Rip Currents...
- A
channel of choppy water
- An
area having a notable difference
in water color
- a
line of foam, seaweed, or debris
steadily seaward
- a
break in the incoming wave
pattern
How to
avoid/survive rip currents...
|
|
| |
 Graphic
courtesy of: NOAA/NWS
Don’t
fight the current. Swim out of
the current in a direction
following the shoreline. When out
of the current, swim towards
shore.
If
you are unable to swim out of the
rip current, float or calmly
tread water. When out of the
current, swim towards shore.
|
Be
cautious at all times.
Whenever
possible, swim at a lifeguard
protected beach.
If caught
in a rip current, remain calm to
conserve energy and think
clearly.
Rip
Currents - Near Pismo
Beach
|
|
| |
When the rip current
potential is high or extreme...the
National Weather Service and county
lifeguard agencies strongly advised to
stay onshore until the threat is minimal.
|
|
