Types of Currents at a Beach

Many swimmers have fallen victims to strong rip currents. According to the National Weather Service Forecast Office, rip currents are hazardous and can be fatal. Currents range from subtle to strong, and they can turn deadly even for the strongest swimmers. Always watch out for currents and swim under the watch of lifeguards to increase safety.

  1. Lateral Current

    • Lateral currents move parallel to the beach with a speed that ranges from mild and subtle to fast-flowing. They pose a minor threat to the average swimmer; however, you should still practice caution because lateral currents have enough force to push a swimmer onto rocks and other structures along the beach. These currents are also called "longshore" and "side" currents.

    Rip Current

    • Rip currents are characterized by a swift flow of water from the beach shore out to sea. They often appear as brownish, choppy, flowing water that pushes strongly back out to the ocean. Rip currents occur due to the wave movements caused by large quantities of water that accumulate close to shore. This type of current can always occur at one spot on the beach, or it can happen at more than one location along the ocean shore. Practice caution when near rip currents as they can pull swimmers out to the sea; rip currents are often the cause of surfing accidents.

    Gulf Stream

    • The Gulf Stream moves along the Gulf of Mexico through the East cCoast of the U.S. and onto northern Europe. It is one of the strongest currents known, according to the New Jersey Metro Net. This current is not only strong but warm in temperature, which results in warming many places in Europe, including England and other areas.

    Causes

    • Winds, tides, temperature, rain, ocean bottom topography and runoff cause and influence beach currents. The two winds that have the most impact on beach currents are the "Westerlies" and the "Trade Winds." The Westerlies blow from west to east, while the Trade Winds blow from east to west. The mixing of water temperatures that flow around the globe cause the currents you may experience at the beach.