Rip Currents Account For More Than 80% Of Beach Rescues As They Swimmers From Shore

ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - AUGUST 10: An aerial view of shores of Black Sea where rip currents occur during stormy weather in Istanbul, Turkiye on August 10, 2022. The Rip Current is especially effective in stormy weather surrounding of the Black Sea coast of Istanbul, and it is also known as the bottoming current. Kilyos and Sile shores of Istanbul draw attraction with their beaches to whom overwhelmed by the heat in the summer season, and are one of the most preferred addresses for a daily trip from Istanbul. (Photo by Ali Atmaca/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

The number one threat to beach goers is not sharks, jellyfish, or any undersea creature. In fact, the greatest threat comes from the water itself.

Rip currents, which can unexpectedly pull beach goers out to sea, account for nearly 80% of all lifeguard rescues, according to the United States Lifesaving Association. But what is exactly is a rip current, how do they form, and how can beach goers escape their potentially deadly grasp?