Rip currents aren't what you may think they are. And if there are breaking waves, rips are present! Since all water has to go back out to sea once it is pushed onto the beach by waves, a rip current is always there. But sometimes, due to higher wave action, storms, or winds, the rip current can turn deadly. And rips can develop where there was none. Even a strong swimmer isn't safe. A rip isn't an under-tow. It will not pull you under, but it will pull you away from the