A Rip Current is a channel of fast-moving water that is moving away from the shore.

 

Rip Currents will pull a person away from the shore. If you are caught in a Rip Current, stay calm, do not try to swim directly back to shore (against the rip). Instead FLIP onto your back and FLOAT then FOLLOW the current until you are able to escape it, by swimming perpendicular to the rip, or until you are rescued.