NWS Surf Zone Forecasts

Not all coastal and Great Lakes NWS Forecast Offices provide a Surf Zone Forecast; however, all NWS offices forecasting moderate or high risk of rip currents include this information in the Day 1 portion of their Hazardous Weather Outlook (HWO).

Rip Current Outlooks

Surf Zone Forecasts contain Rip Current Outlooks. Rip Current Outlooks use the following, three-tiered set of qualifiers:

• Low Risk of rip currents. Wind and/or wave conditions are not expected to support the development of rip currents; however, rip currents can sometimes occur, especially in the vicinity of groins, jetties, and piers. Know how to swim and heed the advice of lifeguards.
• Moderate Risk of rip currents. Wind and/or wave conditions support stronger or more frequent rip currents. Only experienced surf swimmers should enter the water.
• High Risk of rip currents. Wind and/or wave conditions support dangerous rip currents. Rip currents are life-threatening to anyone entering the surf.

When you arrive at the beach, ask the lifeguard about rip currents and other potentially dangerous water conditions expected for the day.