rip current, narrow jetlike stream of water that flows sporadically seaward for several minutes, in a direction normal or nearly normal to abeach. Such currents are probably the cause of mostoceanbathing accidents blamed onundertow. The termriptideis often used but is a misnomer, the currents ...
Undertow, rip current, and riptide are terms used to describe a variety of currents, all of which have different characteristics. However, much of the general public, news media, and even dictionary definitions confuse and misidentify these potential hazards at surf beaches. Many beachgoers use ...
A riptide is an extremely strong current that occurs when the ocean tide pulls water through a small area such as a bay, lagoon or other confined body of water. Riptides occur during the ebb tide and are reversing currents. A riptide is very hazardous to swimmers. The word riptide is ...
Undertow is a type of current that occurs when large waves are breaking at the beach. After a wave breaks, the water can rush back, causing you to feel as though you are being pulled under or backwards before being pummeled by the next breaking wave. A true riptide is a type of curre...
Undertow, Rip Current, and Riptidedoi:10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-12-00052.1Stephen P. LeathermanThe Coastal Education and Research Foundation 1656 Cypress Row Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33411, USALeatherman SP (2012a) Undertow, rip current and riptide. J Coast Res 28(4):3–5...