"Rip Tides Can Ruin Your Day" Top 5 Page for this destination Bethany Beach Warnings Or Dangers Tip by starship

The day we visited Bethany Beach, there was a strong wind blowing and you could see there was a lot of wave action, though no white caps. Bethany Beach provides lifeguards up & down the beach which is great. However, read the beach sign about surviving rip tides and use caution!! I was brought up around the Chesapeake Bay and local beaches, so I don't try to outsmart the ocean. Rip tides are the extremely strong "undertow" or underwater currents which can quickly pull even a strong, experienced swimmer far from shore and possible drowning.

I could tell that the water was fairly clear for about 4- 5 yards from the beach and then the water turned dark so I know that the beach shelf dropped off about that point. Except where the Gulf Stream flows, the Atlantic Ocean is dark water unlike the Caribbean and some parts of the Pacific. (This is obviously not good snorkeling water!) Rip tide undertows are extremely strong underwater currents that can be exceptionally strong even in knee-deep water. If you are caught in a rip tide, do not attempt to swim againt the rip tide directly toward the beach as you will tire quickly and fatigue can lead to drowning. Swim in a horizontal or parallel direction to the beach heading toward the beach gradually until you are out of the rip tide current. This will cause less fatigue and hopefully save your life!

Bethany Beach posts beach rules, and information about rip tides. Never swim alone and it's not a good idea for children to be in the surf alone at any time.