| rdfs:comment | - A rip current is a narrow, powerful current of water running perpendicular to the beach, out into the ocean. These currents may extend 200 to 2,500 feet (61 to 762 m) lengthwise, but they are typically less than 30 feet (9 m) wide. Rip currents can move at a pretty good speed, often 5 miles per hour (8 kph) or faster. Rip currents are often called "riptides," but this is inaccurate due to "tides" being the rising and falling of water levels in the ocean. They are also often mistaken for undertow, which is actually a current of water that pulls one down to the ocean bottom. Rip currents travel along the surface of the water, pulling one straight out into the ocean, but not underneath the water's surface. It is possible for one to get knocked off his or her feet in shallow water, however, an
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| abstract | - A rip current is a narrow, powerful current of water running perpendicular to the beach, out into the ocean. These currents may extend 200 to 2,500 feet (61 to 762 m) lengthwise, but they are typically less than 30 feet (9 m) wide. Rip currents can move at a pretty good speed, often 5 miles per hour (8 kph) or faster. Rip currents are often called "riptides," but this is inaccurate due to "tides" being the rising and falling of water levels in the ocean. They are also often mistaken for undertow, which is actually a current of water that pulls one down to the ocean bottom. Rip currents travel along the surface of the water, pulling one straight out into the ocean, but not underneath the water's surface. It is possible for one to get knocked off his or her feet in shallow water, however, and may end up being pulled along the ocean bottom if they thrash around and get disoriented. If relaxed, the current should keep the individual near the surface. Rip currents are responsible for about 150 deaths every year in the United States. In Florida, they kill more people annually than thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes combined. About 80 percent of all beach rescues are related to rip currents; it is the number one killer of swimmers on the beach. (Sharks typically kill about 6 people a year globally.)
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