What to do if you're caught in a rip current - New York News | NYC Breaking News

What to do if you're caught in a rip current

Posted: Updated:
MYFOXNY.COM -

A warning if you're hitting the beach this summer -- rip currents could be a problem. Rip currents can carry away even strong swimmers, so don't take chances when red flags are up and/or life guards aren't on duty.

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 can be killers. The United States Lifesaving Association estimates that the annual number of deaths due to rip currents on our nation's beaches exceeds 100. Rip currents account for over 80 percent of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards.

>National Weather Service Rip Current Information

  • New York Weather

  • Friday, May 24 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:44:03 GMT
    The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy.
    The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather.  Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
  • Friday, May 24 2013 8:04 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:04:02 GMT
    The National Hurricane Center is changing the way it talks about storm surge in hopes that emergency officials, the media and the public can better understand the dangerous phenomenon.
    The National Hurricane Center is changing the way it talks about storm surge in hopes that emergency officials, the media and the public can better understand the dangerous phenomenon.
  • Tristate rain

    Thursday, May 23 2013 8:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:50:04 GMT
    Heavy downpours sparked flash flooding across the tristate area on Thursday. The National Weather Service issued numerous weather alerts for many counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
    Heavy downpours sparked flash flooding across the tristate area on Thursday. The National Weather Service issued numerous weather alerts for many counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Powered by WorldNow
Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices