In conversation with Southern California Beach Lifeguard Captains, they absolutely agreed that shoreline structures such as groins, jetties, and piers do create a predictable location for rip currents to form. They also agreed with the fact that ~ 80% of their beach rescues are a result of rip currents (Brewster et al., 2019).
Given that lifeguards know with pretty good accuracy where these rip currents are located and can implement safety mitigations to protect beachgoers from their dangers. These mitigations take the form of signage, placement of lifeguard towers, and active beach lifeguarding to educate beachgoers on how to safely deal with rip currents.
The lifeguards also commented on the open-beach rip currents which occur all along the coastline present a significant safety concern as it takes a very experienced lifeguard to spot them.
If you are unsure of dangers on the shoreline – do not hesitate to ask a lifeguard.
If you are unsure of dangers on the shoreline and there is no lifeguard on duty, do not go into the water.
If you would like to learn more about what causes rip currents and how to protect you and your family from their dangers when hitting the beach, visit the United States Lifeguard Association website here.
