Rip currents pose invisible danger to summer swimmers

Rip currents are narrow channels of water that flow from the beach toward the open sea, often appearing as deceptively calm strips of water amidst breaking waves. These currents can reach speeds of approximately 10 km/h, which is sufficient to overpower even experienced swimmers and pull them away from the shore within seconds.

These hazards form when water pushed toward the beach by breaking waves finds an outlet, such as a gap between sandbanks, and flows rapidly back to the ocean. According to NOAA, even waves between 60 and 90 cm can generate strong currents. Their formation is influenced by tides, wave conditions, and seabed topography, meaning they can occur even in clear weather and calm conditions.

While summer does not necessarily increase the frequency of rip currents, the risk of exposure rises significantly due to the higher volume of people swimming to escape the heat. Rip currents can also be channeled near piers, groynes, or rocky formations, and their positions can change frequently.