When at the beach, avoid areas without waves. These spots may be rip currents, which can form unpredictably along the shore. Such areas appear darker due to deeper water, and the surface is calmer with smaller waves.

Entering a rip current can quickly pull you out to sea at a speed even an Olympic swimmer can’t counter. These currents are responsible for 80% of ocean drownings. If caught in a rip current, remain calm and swim parallel to the shore to escape, rather than attempting to swim directly back to the beach.