Rip currents are powerful currents of water that flow away from the beach shore. They are especially dangerous because wave height, water depth, and current speed can increase suddenly. People can be swept off their feet, and even the most experienced swimmer can be overwhelmed by a rip current. Protect yourself from rip currents: Know how to swim, never swim alone, swim only at lifeguard-protected beaches, and speak to on-duty lifeguards about rip currents and other expected surf hazards. If caught in a rip current, stay calm and float or tread water — don’t fight against the current. Swim alongshore, out of the rip, and then towards shore as the current weakens.