One of New Jersey's biggest attractions during the summer months is the Jersey Shore. Many Willingboro residents enjoy visiting the shore for summer vacations, holidays, or just a day trip. One of the most hazardous situations found in the waters of the shore are rip currents. Please review this helpful information and the websites that are provided below to help familiarize yourself with rip currents, how to avoid them, and how to safely escape one.

Some facts about Rip Currents:

* Rip currents are more dangerous to ocean swimmers than sharks.

* It is estimated that nearly 100 lives nationwide are claimed by rip currents each year

* Over 80% of all ocean surf-related rescues are attributed to rip currents.

Everyone from veteran beach-goers to beach newbies should know how to recognize a rip current. Even the strongest swimmer can get swept out to sea.

What to look for:

1. Deeper darker water.

2. Fewer breaking waves.

3. Sometimes sandy colored water extending beyond the surf zone.

4. Debris or seaweed.

5. Sometimes it's easier to look for where the waves are breaking consistently, and then look to each side where they don't break consistently. That's the rip current!

Please see the following websites for more information:

http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/

http://www.weather.gov/phi/surfrip4