Rip currents are powerful channels of water that flow away from shore, often causing life-threatening conditions for swimmers ...

Rip currents are narrow columns of water flowing ... increase awareness and reduce drownings,” said Gregory Dusek, a NOAA scientist who developed the model, in a post on the agency’s website.

It’s a narrow, strong current that flows quickly away from shore, according to the NOAA. Rip currents typically extend from ...

If you’re caught in a rip current, the first step is to flip to your back and float. Staying calm and not exhausting yourself by fighting against the current is essential to avoid drowning, NOAA said.