How to spot a riptide?

It’s not always clear where the ocean’s currents are taking you, but knowing the signs of a riptide can help you decide if you should stay on the beach or head back to shore. Look for a line of breaking waves, as this can indicate an area where the water is moving faster than the shoreline. If the water looks like it’s swirling around, that’s also a sign of a riptide. Riptides can form when

How to find out if a riptide is coming?

First, you want to know if you’re in a riptide zone. If you are, then the water could be moving quickly (depending on the strength of the current) and you could be in danger if you venture into the ocean. If the water is calm, then there’s no riptide.

How to avoid a riptide?

If you’re not a strong swimmer, you should never venture into water where riptides are present. The ocean’s currents are stronger than the water in rivers, lakes, ponds and bays. If you don’t know how to swim, stay away from water that has riptides.

How to know when a riptide is coming?

The most common riptide warning signs are the appearance of strong currents, quickly rising water levels, and unusually cold water temperatures. While these are all signs that a riptide is approaching, they aren’t foolproof. You might end up being pulled out to sea even if you’re not in a riptide when you are following these cues.

How to know when a riptide is going to hit?

Generally speaking, riptides are most common during the summer in tropical climates with lots of ocean, like Hawaii, Florida, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the Caribbean. If you go to these areas during your vacation, you’re more likely to experience a riptide. But you don’t have to live near the ocean to be in danger of getting caught in a riptide. If you’re near a river or lake with lots of strong currents, you may experience