Why you should always avoid entering the sea in this area if you notice currents forming in this manner

**Stay Safe This Summer: What You Need to Know About Rip Currents**

Summer brings sunshine, swimming, and fun at the beach—but the ocean can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially if you’re unaware of hazards like rip currents. These powerful, narrow channels of water pull away from the shore and can sweep even strong swimmers out to sea. Often mistaken for calm water, rip currents usually appear as a gap in breaking waves or a channel of churning, foam-free water. If caught in one, don’t panic—stay afloat, wave for help, and swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current. Avoid fighting it directly, as that only leads to exhaustion. Understanding rip currents and how to react can make all the difference between a safe day at the beach and a tragic accident.