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Summer beach safety: How to escape a rip current

The deaths of swimmers at beaches this past Memorial Day weekend is shining a spotlight on the dangers of rip currents.
/ Source: TODAY

The deaths of swimmers at beaches this past Memorial Day weekend is shining a spotlight on the dangers of rip currents.

According to The National Weather Service, rip currents are "channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches." If you're ever caught in one, follow these tips to break the grip:

  • Experts advise anyone caught in a current against trying to fight it. Instead, conserve energy.
  • Do not swim directly into shore. Either float or swim parallel to the coast until the flow of water pulling you out to the water disappears

For more on rip currents, as well as summer beach safety, visit NOAA's website.