A rip current is a flow of water that has the power to drag a person away from the safety of the shore. NECN meteorologist Tim Kelley gathered advice on how to react if you find yourself being swept in a tide.
“I think the number one rule is you need to stay calm,” said Kyle Shaw, a surf instructor. “When the waves are big, rip currents do form between sandbars. That can be a very dangerous situation for a swimmer. The current will take you out to sea.”
In addition to staying calm, Shaw said it is extremely important not to fight the rip current. Instead, people should swim parallel to the beach.
