During the summer swimming season, it's important to be aware of rip currents in the Great Lakes. The Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) encourages swimmers to learn to identify rip currents and how to escape them.

Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for swimmers with more than 100 drownings that result from rip currents in the United States each year, according to the United States Lifesaving Association. Rip currents are responsible for 80% of beach rescue efforts.

A rip current is a powerful current of water channeled away from shore and directed out to deeper water. They start as incoming waves that create an underwater sandbar close to shore. Waves then push more water between the sandbar and shore until the pressure is so great that the weakest part of the sandbar collapses, and the water rushes outward. This channel can be 25 to 100 yards wide.

Rip currents also can occur under and around Great Lakes piers, presenting a danger for swimmers who may become trapped under the pier or carried out to deeper water.

Signs of a rip current include:

• Churning or choppy water

• Lines of surface debris being channeled out to sea

• Rough water on both sides of a flat surface area

The danger occurs when swimmers get caught in this current and try to swim against it. Fighting a rip current will only fatigue a swimmer.

To escape a rip current: • Remain calm, do not panic.

• Swim parallel to the shore.

• Once the pull of the current subsides, swim to shore.

• If someone is caught in a rip current, shout instructions about how to swim out of it; many people drown while trying to rescue someone from a rip current.

• Call 911 immediately.

Some general swimming precautions that may be followed include:

• Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty.

• Swim with a buddy.

• Don't swim too far from shore.

• Great Lakes piers are designed as navigational structures and are not meant to serve as walkways; avoid swimming around piers, especially when water is spilling over the top.

• Piers should not be used as diving or swimming platforms.

The Michigan State Medical Society is the professional association of more than 15,000 physicians in Michigan.