When a rip current sucks you out to sea, try not to panic (opens original article in a new tab)

Rip currents pose a significant danger to swimmers, with lifeguards advising to stay calm, flip over, and float to avoid exhaustion and potential drowning. The National Weather Service predicts rip current risks up to six days in advance, and swimmers are urged to swim near lifeguard stations and follow warning flags.

• Rip currents are narrow columns of water flowing rapidly away from the beach
• Swimmers caught in rip currents should flip over, float, and conserve energy instead of fighting the current
• Lifeguards advise raising an arm to signal for help once the rip current dissipates
• The National Weather Service predicts rip current risks up to six days in advance for several U.S. coastal areas