Water built up at the shoreline needs to flow back out to sea. This can occur by the water flowing directly out to sea or along longshore channels into deeper channels that take water out to sea beyond the surf zone. These outward currents are called rip currents.
Rip currents are highly complex and dynamic systems. Rip currents are extremely variable and change in character as a result of the underwater topography, the size and intensity of waves, the direction of waves and depth of water. Rip currents will change quickly depending on tide and changing wave conditions. Different types of rip currents can exist on the same beach and often in close proximity.
Rip currents contribute to the majority of surf zone drowning deaths each year. Once caught in a rip current, survival requires a range of aquatic and decision-making skills, so avoiding them should be encouraged and promoted.