Long-Shore+Current

LONG-SHORE CURRENTS Long-shore currents are common at any beach that is exposed to breaking surf. They are responsible for many rescues along the coast by sweeping swimmers and surfers down the beach into trouble.

WHAT IS A LONG-SHORE CURRENT? A long-shore current is an ocean current that parallel to shore. long shore currents usually extend from the shallow waters inside the breaking waves to the outside breakers. They vary depending on the size, strength, and direction of the approaching swell, and the length of the beach.

WHY ARE LONG-SHORE CURRENTS DANGEROUS? Long-shore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties, and other dangerous areas. In many situations, the long-shore current is strong enough to prevent swimmers from being able to keep their feet on the bottom, making it harder to return to shore.

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