A rip current occurs when incoming ocean water comes in towards the shore over a sandbar or other shallow, then exits through a narrow deep channel that funnels all of the water out to sea at high speed.
Risk factors for drowning:
(1) The person tries to swim back directly against the rip current and becomes exhausted.
(2) The person panics.
(3) The person is a novice or poor swimmer.
(4) The person is unable to swim effectively for some reason (cramp, pain, etc).
(5) The person is swimming at an unpatrolled beach.
(6) The water is cold and the person is not wearing a wet suit (hypothermia).
The proper approach to survive a rip current:
(1) Do not panic.
(2) Do not try to go against the rip current.
(3) Swim parallel to the shore for a ways then try to head back in.