Rip currents claimed the life of a 31-year old man in Seaside Heights this week as hundreds of rescues were reported across multiple Jersey Shore beaches.
On Monday, Aug. 11, seven swimmers were pulled from the waters in Seaside Heights after getting caught in a rip current; one was later pronounced dead.
Rip currents are fast-moving channels of water that can drag a swimmer away from shore and exhaust them trying to fight their way out. The National Ocean Service estimates thousands of people are rescued from rip currents every year in the U.S.
A rip tide is often incorrectly used to describe a rip current but they have different meanings. While both are dangerous, a rip tide happens when water is pulled out of an inlet, river mouth or other channel as the tide goes out.
Rip currents happen when strong waves slam on to the beach and the water rushes back out to sea.
According to news reports, dozens of rescues took place across the Jersey Shore over the weekend in towns like Seaside Heights, Asbury Park and Belmar. Long Branch reportedly had hundreds of rescues last week.
Public officials have issued statements about the danger of rip currents, obeying beach flag warnings and avoiding the water when no lifeguards are present.
Here's what to know about rip currents, rip tides, and what beach flags color warnings mean.
What are rip currents?
Rip currents are strong, concentrated channels of fast-moving water flowing quickly away from the shoreline and toward the ocean. They are most often found at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and near structures such as jetties and piers.
Panicked swimmers often try to swim back to shore against the current, and often fall victim to fatigue and drowning.
How to get out of a rip current
The most important thing to do when you realize you are being pulled out by a rip current is to stay calm and relax. They will not pull you under. The biggest danger is tiring yourself out.
You might be able to get out of the current by swimming with it parallel to the shore, or floating or just treading water until it fades or circulates back to shore. Then you can swim back to the beach.
You can also try swimming with the current toward breaking waves, where you may then be able to swim for shore.
If you can't reach the shore or are getting pulled out further into the ocean, or you are getting tired, draw attention to yourself by waving or shouting for help.
What do the colors of beach flags signify?
According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, beach flags and their designated meanings were created to help inform people of just that. Many of these flags are also used around the world.
Know before you go in the water. Look for the flag and follow the warnings.
What the color flags signify:
Absence of flags does not mean water is safe, check official surf zone forecasts and beach advisories.
Maria Francis is a Pennsylvania-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team