Can you outswim a riptide?

Here we debunk 7 myths about this dangerous phenomenon: Myth: A strong swimmer can outswim a rip current. Fact: Measured at speeds up to 8 feet per second (more than 5 miles per hour), rip currents can be faster than an Olympic swimmer. Myth: Rip currents pull people under water.



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Many people have died trying to rescue rip current victims. Get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not present, call 9-1-1, then try to direct the victim to swim following the shoreline to escape.

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Rip currents do not pull people under the water; they pull people away from shore. The rip current is typically the strongest about a foot off of the bottom, which can cause your feet to be knocked out from under you making it feel like something under the water was pulling you.

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On average, about 100 people die each year in the United States because of rip currents, although the number may actually be much higher, as the cause of death for many who are rushed to a hospital from is listed as “heart attack, says Leatherman.

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Hanakapiai Beach, Hawaii - Powerful Rip Currents Nestled in the Napali Coast of Kauai and only accessible by the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiai Beach is one of the most dangerous places in the world to go swimming due to powerful rip currents and waves that are known to sweep people out to sea.

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