The reverse, or rebound, is called Rip current / National Geographic strong current directed perpendicular from the coastline to the open ocean, sea or lake. It is considered one of the most dangerous natural phenomena. Its cunning lies in the fact that it occurs very close to the shore — where no one expects danger.

Usually the reverse flow is formed in areas where there are sandbanks, shoals, reefs, breakwaters, dams or piers. Due to the terrain features, the water cannot return to the reservoir evenly, so the main stream rushes at high speed into the strait between the obstacles and fades immediately after them.

The reverse current occurs on beaches with both hard (rocky) and soft (sandy or muddy) bottoms.

The width of the reverse flow sometimes reaches 45 m, but most often does not exceed 9 m. The water flow can move at a speed of 8 km/h.

Experts distinguish The 3 most common types of rips / Rip Current Safety different types of backflow. For example:

A channel that occupies deep places between sandbanks and stays there for several days, weeks or even months.
Borderline, which occurs next to capes and structures, such as piers and piers going into the sea or lake.
Sudden, which is formed instantly when the size and frequency of waves begin to increase rapidly. Such a flow is short-lived and can appear and disappear in a variety of places. Because of its unpredictability, this species is considered one of the most dangerous.

How to recognize it

With the reverse flow, it is usually possible to Rip current science / U.S. National Weather Service notice:

a strip of boiling water perpendicular to the coastline;
a section of water near the shore that is darker or lighter than the rest of the water surface;
foam rapidly floating away from the shore;
gaps in the surf line several meters wide where there are no waves.

Abroad, the reverse flow is denoted by the phrase rip currents. If you see it on flags and signs, do not go into the water. If there are no warnings, it is worth checking the information with rescuers.

What to do if you are caught in the reverse current

In fact, it's not as scary as it might seem. The reverse flow is often confused Rip current / National Geographic with an underwater one that runs along the bottom of the sea or ocean and can drag a person under water. When the reverse current moves Rip Currents / National Weather Service only the top layer of water, which means that it will not pull down and will not be overwhelmed by a wave. If there are lifeguards on the beach, they will get to you in a few minutes.

If you feel that you are being carried away into the sea, do not panic and do not try Rip current / National Geographic swim to the shore against the current. This is a very difficult task even for strong experienced swimmers. Instead, try to swim parallel to the coastline. Usually the reverse current is not too wide, and you will most likely be able to get out of it quickly.

If you can't swim out of the current, then save your strength and move forward with the current. It will weaken quite quickly, and then you will be able to sail away, and then return to shore.

In order not to become a victim of the reverse flow, it is important to follow simple rules Rip Currents / National Weather Service security:

Choose beaches where lifeguards work.
Do not swim alone, especially in unfamiliar places.
If you are in doubt whether to go into the water, it is better to stay on the shore.