What are rip currents? The First Alert Weather Team explains

Columbus, Ga (WRBL)- As people in our area head back to the beach this summer, the First Alert Weather team would like to give you some additional insight into the dangerous conditions that can unfold in the ocean.

What are backwashes? Rip currents form when more waves break near the surface, pushing more water back out to sea. The likelihood of rip currents also increases when sandbars are added.

This causes all the water from the shore to flow through a small gap, creating a fast current. As the current pushes out to sea, some of it will flow back and rejoin the original current.

Security: Strong rip currents have a speed of 2.44 m/s, so it is better to swim parallel to the current. However, if you see double red flags, you should not enter the water because the rip currents are too strong for any swimmer.