4 Types of Rip Currents: Longshore, Headland, Channel, and Flash

1. Longshore Rip Currents: Most common. Form when waves break at an angle, creating a current parallel to shore along the beach length.
2. Headland Rip Currents: Occur near headlands/jetties where water deflects offshore. Often stronger and more hazardous.
3. Channel Rip Currents: Form at tidal inlet mouths or between sandbars due to water flowing in/out or over bars.
4. Flash Rip Currents: Rare, sudden, unpredictable. Can appear without warning and sweep even strong swimmers offshore.

All rip currents move perpendicular to shore. If caught: stay calm, float, signal for help, swim parallel to shore to escape the narrow current.