Ocean Rip Tides at the Beaches of the West Coast

Rip Currents at Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Park

What is a Rip Current?
A rip current is a current of water moving out to sea. Rips form when waves push large volumes of water onto the shore and the water returns seaward through channels between sand bars, behind islands or beside rocky headlands.

Where are the Rips at Long Beach?
There is always a rip current flowing near Lovekin Rock. Transient rips also occur at random along the shore. They vary in strength with changes in the tide, swell and wind.

How Do I Identify a Rip Current?
They can be very difficult to identify by the inexperienced but look for:
- Discoloured water due to sand being carried by the current.
- Sea foam and debris floating seaward.
- An area of choppy, 'confused' water in between breaking waves.

How Can I Tell If I'm Caught in a Rip?
- The surface of the water may be very choppy and difficult to swim or paddle in.
- The waves hardly seem to break and become even more difficult to catch.

How To Escape From a Rip Current
- Remain calm - go with the flow. The strength of the current will diminish in deeper water.
- Swim at right angles to the current towards the nearest breaking waves until your are out of the current.
- Then swim to shore using the waves to push you in.
- If your are exhausted conserve your energy and yell and signal for assistance.
- Climb onto Lovekin rock and wait. Be careful or sharp barnacles.

Daily Water Hazard Conditions are a measure of ocean conditions. Find signs like this posted on Long Beach and on the Pacific Rim Highway on the way to Long Beach.

This information is particular to Long Beach and is from the Government of Canada notice signs posted at entrances to Long Beach. Make your self familiar with this information to have the most enjoyable holiday possible at Long Beach and all Tofino area beaches.