The dangers that rip currents pose

Los Angeles, CA (News4usonline) — Every year, thousands of people flock to beautiful beaches around the world to enjoy the ocean and soak up the sun. But behind the waves and warm weather lies a deadly danger that often goes unnoticed: rip currents. These powerful water channels are the leading cause of beach-related deaths both in the United States and globally.

According to Sea Grant California, lifeguards across the country rescue approximately 60,000 people from drowning each year. An estimated 80 percent of those rescues are related to rip currents.

In a tragic recent example, actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner — best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show — died at the age of 54 on July 20, 2025, after being caught in a rip current while swimming in Costa Rica. His death sparked a wave of concern and renewed conversations about beach safety and the often underestimated dangers of the ocean.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder that even experienced swimmers can fall victim to rip currents. While drowning is always a major concern for lifeguards, rip currents are the primary cause of beach fatalities at sea.

To stay safe, beachgoers are urged to swim near lifeguard stations, pay close attention to posted warning signs, and learn how to spot and escape rip currents. Raising awareness is key to preventing more lives from being lost to this invisible but powerful force of nature.

How to Spot Rip Currents

Swimming in the ocean is one thing — but knowing how to spot a rip current is another. The United States Lifesaving Association offers guidance on how to identify these hazards:

• A narrow gap of darker, seemingly calmer water between areas of breaking waves and whitewater
  
• A channel of churning, choppy water
  
• A noticeable difference in water color
  
• A line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward

Rip currents are narrow, fast-moving channels of water that can quickly pull swimmers away from the shore. Their speed can vary from moment to moment, sometimes increasing rapidly without warning. Even strong swimmers are at risk.

According to a scientific review by the U.S. Lifesaving Association, rip currents are responsible for more than 100 deaths annually in the U.S., and account for over 80 percent of all rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards.

 How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Being aware of your surroundings and taking precautions before entering the water can save lives. Here are key safety tips:

• Always swim in areas protected by lifeguards
  
• Consult lifeguards before entering the water
  
• Assume rip currents are present at all surf beaches
  
• Make sure you and your children can swim in the ocean — swimming in a pool is not the same as swimming in surf conditions
  
• Learn how to identify rip currents and assess the water carefully before entering

What to Do If You’re Caught in a Rip Current

If you ever find yourself caught in a rip current, staying calm and knowing how to respond is crucial:

• Relax — rip currents do not pull you underwater
  
• Do not swim against the current — this will only exhaust you
  
• Swim parallel to the shore to escape the current; then angle back toward the beach
  
• If unable to swim out, float or tread water until the current weakens or circulates back toward shore
  
• Signal for help — wave your arms and yell if needed

Taking the necessary precautions while swimming in ocean water is essential — not only for your safety but for those around you. Staying alert, understanding your surroundings, and respecting warning signs can drastically reduce the risk of rip current-related tragedies. Education and awareness are the first steps toward making beach trips safer for everyone.