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for South Central and Southeast Wisconsin
Rip Current Threat
Hazard Map Threat Levels Safety & Impact

The "Rip Current Hazard Map" depicts the local threat of rip currents for specified surf zones along the coast.  A rip current is a narrow channel of water which flows outward from the surf zone which can carry even a strong experienced swimmer into deeper water beyond the sand bar.  Attempts to swim directly back to shore against the current can lead to exhaustion and drowning.  Remember, it is normal for rip currents to occasionally occur.  However, there are certain weather circumstances which promote an increase in the frequency and intensity of rip currents when compared to normal.

Rip Current Threat Level

Threat  Level Descriptions

Extreme

"An Extreme Threat to Life from Rip Currents Compared to Normal."

An Extreme likelihood (36% or greater) that wave conditions in the surf zone support extreme rip currents (strong and very large) which are of strong to greater than average intensity.  It will be dangerous for anyone entering the surf due to the overwhelming strength of the seaward pull.

High

"A High Threat to Life from Rip Currents Compared to Normal."

A high likelihood (26% to 35% or greater) that wave conditions in the surf zone support strong to extreme rip currents which are of greater than average intensity.  It will be dangerous for anyone entering the surf due to the overwhelming strength of the seaward pull.

Moderate

"A Moderate Threat to Life from Rip Currents Compared to Normal."

A moderate likelihood (16% to 25% or greater) that wave conditions in the surf zone support strong to extreme rip currents which are of greater than average intensity.  Rip currents will have a seaward pull capable of pulling even experienced ocean swimmers into deeper water.

Low

."A Low Threat to Life from Rip Currents Compared to Normal."

A low likelihood (6% to 15% or greater) that wave conditions in the surf zone support strong to extreme rip currents which are of greater than average intensity. Rip currents will have a seaward pull capable of pulling inexperienced ocean swimmers into deeper water.
Very Low

"A Very Low Threat to Life from Rip Currents Compared to Normal."

A very low likelihood (2% to 5% or greater) that wave conditions in the surf zone support strong to extreme rip currents which are of average greater than average intensityl. Rip currents will have a seaward pull capable of pulling inexperienced ocean swimmers into deeper water.
Non-Threatening

"No Discernable Threat to Life from Rip Currents Compared to Normal."

Wave conditions in the surf zone do not support the development of rip currents.

Note: If caught in a rip current, remain calm and signal for help.  Swim parallel to the coast until you are free from the outgoing current and then return to shore.  Do not try to swim directly back to shore against the current as exhaustion is the typical cause of most rip current-related drownings.  Remember, it is always best to swim at beaches where lifeguards are present and on duty; always heed the advice of the Life Guards.  Never swim alone.  

Determining Likelihood

  • National Weather Service
  • Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI Weather Forecast Office
  • N3533 Hardscrabble Road
  • Dousman, WI 53118
  • 262-965-2074
  • Page Author: MKX Webmaster
  • Web Master's E-mail: w-mkx.webmaster@noaa.gov
  • Page last modified: 2-Nov-2005 10:23 PM UTC
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