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Beach Safety: Waves, Rip Currents and Other Beach Dangers
May 7, 2025 at 11:17 AM EDT
By WeatherBug Meteorologist, Christian Sayles
There are a few things to keep in mind if you are planning a trip to the beach as warm, spring temperatures arrive.
Although the rushing tides across beaches look beautiful, they can quickly become dangerous or even deadly if caught off-guard. Year-round, many deaths are reported across the U.S. at beaches. Did you know that even a storm that is far out at sea can still affect the ebb-and-flow of the waters near the beach? Hazards like these can cause dangerous swimming conditions even with abundant sunshine!
The first thing to do before ever visiting the beach is to check your local forecast for any potential hazards before diving headfirst into the unknown. It is also vital to make sure you know how to swim before swimming in any body of water.
Here are some waves and currents to look out for and what to do should you cross paths with them:
- Shorebreak- These types of waves occur when the beach floor under the water is sharply sloped causing incoming waves to break quickly as they roll across the shore. These waves can result in neck injuries and other head trauma especially if unexpected.
- High Surf- When this term is used, it is often referring to higher than normal wave heights entering the surf zone of a beach. These waves can result in beach erosion, displaced debris such as tree logs and other objects found in the water, as well as expose large rocks otherwise hidden by the water. The strength of these waves can result in people getting knocked over and subsequently pulled into the water current which can result in drowning.
- Sneaker Waves- These waves can be “sneaky” to the unaware. For areas such as the Pacific Northwest or the southern and central West Coast, taking a leisure walk along the beach can be potentially dangerous if tides suddenly surge along the beach. This can result in being swept off your feet and suddenly pulled into cold water. Not only would drowning be a threat, but also hypothermia from the cold water.
- Rip Currents- One of the more dangerous of effects of the ocean or any flowing body of water are rip currents. Places to beware of in terms of rip currents would be piers and jetties, but they can be found along any body of water including the Great Lakes. Rip currents do not pull you under water like a wave does, but it can drag you out to sea and can exhaust you if you try to escape improperly. The best thing to do if caught in a rip current is to not panic and swim horizontally until you become free of the current, then swim to shore when safe to do so.
Outside of waves, there are other dangers to keep in mind before going to the beach such as lightning, overexposure to UV rays, wildlife such as sharks and jellyfish, water quality and harmful algal blooms. Never go to the beach when thunderstorms are a factor, even an offshore storm can be fatal should a rogue lightning bolt strike the water and sand.
Everyone loves a natural tan but try limit your time out in the sun especially on days where your local weather office deems the air quality poor or unsafe. Be mindful that when you go out into the water that you’re at the mercy of whatever wildlife is swimming around, keep a keen eye out for any sharks or natural predators that may be lurking. Bodies of water may contain toxic waste or hazardous materials that may result in floating plants or “blooms” that can spread toxins to humans. Be cautious and keep a safe distance from any unknown substances you may come across in the water.
Remember, under no circumstances should you ever turn your back to the ocean especially when waters are raging.
Source(s): National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service
Story Image: Rough seas as thunderstorms form off the coast. (Pixabay.com)
