Many people confuse an undertow and a rip current, also called a riptide. An undertow occurs when a wave breaks over a rip current when the rip current is drawing water back from the ocean. The force of the wave then pushes the outgoing water from the rip current downward and creates the undertow. But as the Ocean Watch website explains, the undertow pushes you down only for a few seconds. Undertows and rip currents can be killers, especially if you panic or can't swim. Unless you avoid the ocean altogether, there is no guarantee you can avoid an undertow, so understanding what to do if one pushes you underwater is essential.
Step 1
Stay away from steep beaches. Rip currents can be much stronger when they flow back into the ocean from a steep surface. You might be pulled out farther in the ocean and subjected to undertows that are more frightening and thus more dangerous.
Step 2
Take a deep breath when an undertow pulls you down under the water. When the wave breaks, the water that pulled you under will return you to the surface in a few seconds.
Step 3
Stay calm. Because the downward pull of the undertow ends quickly, the only way to get into trouble, if you can swim or float, is to panic.
Step 4
Learn to swim or wear a flotation device even if you are in shallow water. A rip current and undertow can quickly pull you into water over your head.
Tips and Warnings
- Watch for warning flags and consult with lifeguards about surf conditions. If red flags are up, stay out of the water. Rip currents can kill if you try to fight them. Allow the rip current to take you out and then swim to shore. A rip current is narrow, so you soon will escape its outward pull.
- Call for help if you encounter a rip current or an undertow and feel you are in danger. Raise your hands and yell as you tread water. Keep small children from venturing into the water and make sure they wear flotation devices. Stay away from jetties. Rip currents can be fierce, and the swift current and undertows can smash you into the rocks.
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