In rivers, undertow is typically caused by the interaction between the river's flow and waves created by wind or boat traffic. The current created by the undertow flows in a direction opposite to the surface current.
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Undercurrents are typically caused by various factors such as differences in water temperature, salinity, or the shape of the seabed.
Britannica Dictionary definition of UNDERCURRENT. [count] 1. : a flow of water that moves below the surface of the ocean or a river. You could be pulled under water by the dangerous undercurrents.
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.
Rip Currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore, capable of sweeping even the strongest swimmers out to sea and are often called “killer currents” for a good reason. Although estimates vary, rip currents are responsible for approximately 100 deaths every year and probably thousands worldwide.
While it is not comprehensive in nature, the top two states having higher rip current fatalities in the U.S. are Florida and California States. Rip currents can turn a pleasant beach tour into a perilous trip.