Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of water that flow away from the shore. They are formed when waves break over sandbars or other underwater features, creating a strong current that pulls water back to the ocean. These currents can be dangerous for swimmers, as they can quickly carry them away from the beach. To identify a rip current, look for differences in water color, wave patterns, or foam and debris moving seaward. If caught in a rip current, it is important to stay calm, swim parallel to the shore to escape the current, and then swim back to the beach at an angle.