Rip Currents — Coordinating Coastal Research, Outreach and Forecast Methodologies to Improve Public Safety

Abstract

Rip currents are significant hazards that pose serious threats to surf zone swimmers and waders in all coastal regions. Rip currents form under specific conditions related to winds, waves, swell, tides, and bathymetry. These strong, narrow seaward flowing currents extend from close to the shoreline, through the surf zone, out past the line of breaking waves. Rip current strength and duration may vary dramatically depending on wave and swell parameters, and even the most experienced swimmers are in danger when they encounter a strong rip current. According to U.S. Lifesaving Association statistics, rip currents cause over 100 drowning fatalities each year, and 80% of all rescues on surf beaches nationwide are rip current related. Cooperative and coordinated efforts at many levels have combined to improve public education related to dangers associated with these surf zone currents. In many coastal regions, NOAA-National Weather Service issues a Surf Zone Forecast product that includes a 3-tiered Rip Current Outlook. Concurrently, NOAA-Sea Grant, NOAA-National Weather Service, and NOAA-National Ocean Service have developed a coordinated program and partnership to increase rip current awareness and improve communication between rip current research scientists and forecasters. These NOAA partnership programs exist at the local, regional, and national levels, working to coordinate applied research, outreach, and operational forecasts. Ultimately, the goals of the partnerships are to improve pubic safety and reduce the risk of rip current hazards.

Rip Currents — Coordinating Coastal Research, Outreach and Forecast Methodologies to Improve Public Safety

Rip Currents — Coordinating Coastal Research, Outreach and Forecast Methodologies to Improve Public Safety

Authors