What is rip current
Reverse, or rebound, called a strong current directed perpendicularly from the shoreline to the open ocean, sea, or lake. It is considered one of the most dangerous natural phenomena. Its insidiousness is that it appears very close to the shore – where no one expects danger.
Typically, rip currents form in areas where there are sandbars, shoals, reefs, breakwaters, dams or piers. Due to the peculiarities of the relief, water cannot return to the reservoir evenly, so the main flow rushes at high speed into the strait between the obstacles and fades away immediately behind them.
Reverse currents occur on beaches with both hard (rocky) and soft (sandy or muddy) bottoms.
The width of the reverse flow sometimes reaches 45 m, but most often does not exceed 9 m. The water flow can move at a speed of 8 km/h.
Specialists differentiate different types of reverse flow. For example:
- Channel water, which occupies deep places between sandbanks and remains there for several days, weeks or even months.
- Borderline, which occurs near headlands and structures, such as piers and piers, extending into the sea or lake.
- Sudden, which occurs instantly when the size and frequency of waves begin to increase rapidly. This current is short-lived and can appear and disappear in a variety of places. Due to its unpredictability, this species is considered one of the most dangerous.
How to recognize it
In reverse flow usually Can notice:
- a strip of rushing water perpendicular to the coastline;
- an area of water near the shore that is darker or lighter than the rest of the water surface;
- foam quickly floating away from the shore;
- gaps in the surf line several meters wide where there are no waves.
Abroad, reverse currents are referred to as rip currents. If you see it on flags and signs, you should not go into the water. If there are no warnings, you should check with the rescuers for information.
What to do if you get caught in a rip current
In fact, everything is not at all as scary as it might seem. Reverse current is common confused with underwater, which runs along the bottom of the sea or ocean and can drag a person under water. In case of reverse flow moves only the top layer of water, which means it won’t be pulled down and won’t be overwhelmed by a wave. If there are lifeguards on the beach, they will get to you in a few minutes.
If you feel like you are being carried out to sea, do not panic and do not try swim to shore against the current. This is a very difficult task even for strong, experienced swimmers. Instead, try swimming parallel to the shoreline. Usually the rip current is not too wide, and you will most likely be able to get out of it quickly.
If you can’t swim out of the current, then save your energy and move forward with the current. It will weaken quite quickly, and then you can swim to the side and then return to shore.
To avoid becoming a victim of rip currents, it is important to follow simple rules security:
- Choose beaches where lifeguards work.
- Don’t swim alone, especially in unfamiliar areas.
- If you are in doubt about whether to go into the water, it is better to stay on the shore.
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