need to become an expert at identifying cross seas. If the water suddenly looks unusually chaotic or different from normal conditions, take that as a reason to be cautious and ask a lifeguard.
Don’t Confuse Square Waves With Rip Currents
These two phenomena are sometimes mixed together online, but they describe different things.
A cross sea refers to wave systems traveling in different directions and intersecting.
A rip current is a powerful, narrow current flowing away from shore.
Rip currents can be particularly difficult to spot because they don’t always look dramatic. NOAA says clues can include a channel of choppy water, differences in water color, foam or debris moving offshore, or a break in the normal line of incoming waves.
Both situations deserve respect, but they require different safety responses.
The Best Beach-Safety Habits
You don’t have to wait until the ocean looks dangerous before thinking about safety.
A
There’s more to discover. Continue to the next page for the rest of this article.
