<Li> Different color: the rip may differ in color from the surrounding water; it is often more opaque, cloudier, or muddier, and so, depending on the angle of the sun, the rip may show as darker or lighter than the surrounding water . </Li> <Li> It is sometimes possible to see that foam or floating debris on the surface of the rip is moving out, away from the shore . In contrast, in the surrounding areas of breaking waves, floating objects are being pushed towards the shore . </Li> <P> These characteristics are helpful in learning to recognize and understand the nature of rip currents so that a person can recognize the presence of rips before entering the water . In the US, some beaches have signs created by NOAA and USLA, explaining what a rip current is and how to escape one . These signs are entitled, "Rip Currents; Break the Grip of the Rip". Beachgoers can get information from lifeguards, who are always watching for rip currents, and who will move their safety flags so that swimmers can avoid rips . </P> <P> Rip currents are a potential source of danger for people in shallow water with breaking waves in seas, oceans and lakes . Rip currents are the proximate cause of 80% of rescues carried out by beach lifeguards . </P>

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