

Instead of swimming against the current, start to swim parallel to the beach (to the right or left) to escape the current. You will waste energy and will likely be unable to swim against the strength of the current. Keeping your cool will allow you to think clearly and make smart next moves. Panicking is the worst thing you can do if you’re caught in a rip current, as it will expend extra energy. The most important thing to note is that rip currents pull you out,- not under. If you do get stuck in a rip current along the Outer Banks, keep the following steps in mind to ensure you can escape the rip current and get back to the shore safely. features daily high tide and low tide times, as well as weather conditions to make rip current research even easier.

Swimming in the ocean is not the same as swimming in a pool or a lake.
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It is important that you are sure you know how to swim in the surf and that you never swim alone, even if you are an experienced swimmer.How to Avoid a Rip Currentīefore you head to the beach, visit /beach/mhx and click the umbrella to view a condition report for your area. If one section of shoreline looks different – either a darker color or with interrupted wave action – then it’s best to swim away from this area.

Look for changes in the ocean, especially when it comes to the area where the waves are breaking. Rip currents are typically around 10 feet to 100 feet wide, but can be up to 10 times larger, depending on the area. Rip currents can often appear as narrow, darker parts of the surf line, with water heading offshore in between areas of breaking waves and white ocean wash. This makes rip currents especially dangerous to beachgoers as these currents can sweep even the strongest swimmers out to sea. With the ability to move at speeds of up to 8 feet per second, powerful rip currents can move faster than an Olympic swimmer. Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can pull swimmers out into the open ocean. To ensure your beach days are memorable for all the right reasons and that your family has a stress-free Outer Banks vacation from start to finish, it’s important to follow a few tips for staying safe this season. As residents and visitors head to the 110 miles of shoreline along the Outer Banks, it is important for beachgoers to be aware of potential beach hazards and safety concerns they may encounter.įrom rip currents and strong winds to lightning and excessive heat, there are several risks that you need to be aware of before you head to the shoreline of the Outer Banks.
