What is a current?
A current is movement of something towards a certain direction. It can describe the movement of air, electricity, or water. In the context of beach safety, we will be talking about water currents.
What makes a current Dangerous?
Currents cause water to move in unexpected ways. This can cause people to be pulled away from safety. Being able to identify where currents may occur and knowing how to escape currents are essential life saving skills!
What types of currents are there?
Rip Currents
Rip currents are currents that move away from the shore. They are caused by waves breaking over sandbars in the water. As the water enters the sandbar, a swift current that pulls things away from the shore is created. In order to escape, follow the current outwards, then swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Then swim back to shore. For more information, check out NOAA’s Rip Current Survival Guide here.

Outlet Currents
Outlet currents are caused by water flowing out of a lake or river. They create an effect very similar to that of a rip current, therefore escape by swimming parallel to the shore, then back towards the shore once you are out of the current.

Longshore Currents
Longshore currents are currents that move parallel to the shore. These can be dangerous since they will pull you away from your initial position. Rather than swimming directly against the current to get back, swim towards the shore first, and walk back to your initial location.

Structural Currents
Structural currents are currents that are caused by structures like piers, jetties, and groins. When water hits these structures, the water is forced to move in a different direction. This can create a current that moves away from the shore. Avoid swimming near large structures!

Channel Currents
Channel currents are caused by large rocks or islands close to shore. This causes a large influx of water, creating a bottleneck between the island and the shore, pulling things in, and then pushing them out. Similar to longshore currents, swim directly towards the shore, and walk back to your initial location.
