RIP CURRENTS

Identifying a Rip Current

Please watch this instructional video in order to prepare yourself as well as share this information with others

NARRATOR:

Did you know that rip currents are the main cause of drownings and rescues across the state. Kauai’s lifeguards can help point out just where the rip currents are. Signs of a rip include the disruption at the crest of an even shaped wave. Even the smallest waves breaking in shallow waters will upturn sand and create ocean flows that are ever changing. Look for discolorations in the ocean that can indicate where waters surge into deeper areas where no waves are breaking. These currents can steadily pull you out to sea.

CHRIS PICO:

Aloha, if you find yourself in a rip current remain calm. Your first instinct is to go against the current, that can take precious time and energy. Instead swim parallel to shore, this move will take you out of the outlet current. If the current is too strong, float, relax, and go with the flow to deeper waters. After you’ve regained your strength and breath, navigate in the parallel direction towards a wave that can propel you back to shore. If, however, you are too exhausted and cannot navigate your way you must remain calm. Wave your arms and call out for help, treading water slowly, taking a deep breath and even floating on your back.

Rip Current Information:

The rip current definition is as follows: a relatively strong, narrow current flowing outward from the beach through the surf zone and presenting a hazard to swimmers.

Rip current safety is an incredibly important part of staying safe in Kauai’s waters. First, if you are visiting a lifeguarded beach on the island we ask that you always check in about where any rip tides may occur with our lifeguards on duty, we are here to help keep you safe. If you happen to be visiting an unguarded beach we advise you to learn how to identify a rip current from the shore before you enter any water. Rip currents in Hawaii happen because the water rushes through a low point in a sandbar or channel, once the water reaches an area of equal level the rip current stops. Since waves will continue to push water in the basin between the sand and the beach, the rip currents can continue for hours at a time, some rip currents are long-term in an area. They often are in channels between reefs and shoals where water returns from the shore. When looking for rip currents keep an eye out for flat, narrow, sometimes muddy streaks in the ocean where there aren’t any waves breaking.

We also ask you to educate yourself on how to proceed if you do happen to find yourself caught in a rip current. Because of the nature of a rip current, you may feel an urge to fight against the current and attempt to return to shore but this will only cause you fatigue and you will still be swept out to where the current stops. Even the strongest of swimmers cannot fight against a rip current. Rather than fighting against the current let yourself float as much as possible, waving your arms, shouting for help, and attempting to be noticed from shore. Swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the current, then try to make your way to shore with the help of any waves that are pushing towards the shore. If you can’t get free of the initial pull of the rip current and you find yourself being swept out tread water or float, again, do not exhaust yourself fighting the current as this is usually the cause of fatalities in this situation.

The best way to keep yourself feeling more confident about swimming is to swim at lifeguarded beaches because our lifeguards are trained to know the nature of rip tides and are always watching to make sure they are there when they’re needed.

Please be aware of dangers as you enjoy our natural beauty and BE SAFE.

Things to Know:

Rocks are slippery and waves can sweep you out into the ocean.
Huge waves can unexpectedly arrive in a calm ocean.
The location of rip currents and how to escape if caught in one.
Shore breaks can pound you into the sand causing serious injuries.
Reef breaks can hold you under water.
Crossing streams during and after heavy rains can be treacherous.
Lifeguards and local folks can advise you.
Swimming near a lifeguard is strongly recommended.
Our free Kauai Beach Guide shows the location of lifeguard towers and provides ocean safety information.
KauaiExplorer.com reports current ocean conditions.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO – WHEN IN DOUBT, DON’T GO OUT

Let’s talk about ocean safety with our visitors whenever we can. It is extremely important to educate our visitors and beachgoers about the dangers of our ocean.

HOW TO BEHAVE IN RIP TIDES:

If you find yourself caught in a current that you cannot comfortably make progress against, take these steps to stay safe:

Stay calm and don’t panic. Currents will generally not pull you under the water.
Conserve your energy. Regulate your breathing and minimize any erratic movement. Float on your back or front.
Even if the current moves your further away from shore, go with the flow rather than fight/swim against the current and becoming exhausted.
Signal for help by yelling towards the shore and waving your arms