California note
A calm beach day can still have a strong rip current
Choose a guarded beach, check current conditions, and know the parallel-to-shore escape; would-be rescuers should get help and stay out of the current.
Choose a lifeguard-protected beach when possible, read the posted warnings, and ask the lifeguard about current surf before entering. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves, and cold water, shorebreak, backwash, and larger surprise waves can add danger even when the surface looks calm.
If caught in a rip current, stay calm and do not fight straight toward shore. Float or swim parallel to shore until clear of the current, then angle back toward land. If you cannot escape, float or tread water and wave or call for help.
If someone else is in trouble, alert a lifeguard or call 911, keep pointing to the person, and throw flotation if it is available. Do not enter the current for an untrained rescue; that can create a second victim. Keep children and weak swimmers within immediate reach near moving surf.
Where to see it
National Weather Service rip-current safety pages, beach signs, and lifeguard stations.
Official sources
Official pages
Reviewed July 14, 2026
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