Rip currents mostly are currents that move slowly enough to barely be detected. But given the right circumstances of waves and beach profile, they can develop into currents moving at speeds of up to 2 metres per second – faster than any of us can swim. Ranging in width from just a few meters to a hundred meters, they pull to just behind where the waves form and then loose their power. A rip current is not the same as a rip tide which is formed as the tide ebbs and flows through a narrow opening such as an estuary. The Knysna Heads are a great example of where you will find extremely dangerous …