"Before taking a plunge, take a look."

KGW File Photo

That advice is now at the top of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's list of beach safety tips for visitors to the Oregon coast, especially for those tempted to take a dip in the ocean.

OPRD's beach and recreation safety coordinator, Robert Smith, said increasing reports of swimmers falling victim to rip currents have become a concern for coastal public safety officials as they gear up for another onslaught of visitors escaping a valley heat wave.

"Rip currents are the number one danger on the Oregon coast right now," said Smith. "There has been one missing swimmer and multiple swimmers who had to be rescued from rip currents on the north coast."

Smith explained that rip currents are "fast moving rivers of water flowing out to sea." The currents can be formed by large amounts of water trapped after washing onto any of Oregon's beaches, but are especially prevalent near jetties and headlands.

"They are unpredictable and can pull unwary swimmers out to sea," he said.

Choppy dark water and debris floating out to sea serve as warnings of rip currents.

"You should avoid areas where those conditions exist," Smith advised. "If you become caught in a rip current, though, don't panic. Swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the rip, then swim back to the beach."

People who cannot swim should tread water and call for help, Smith added. "Never fight against the current," he said. "Rips currents travel faster and are stronger than even the best swimmers."

Beach visitors always need to be alert to dangers other than rip currents.

"It all boils down to respect for the ocean," said Smith. "All you have to do is use common sense: stay away from logs, check tide tables, stay behind fences on cliffs and never turn your turn back on the ocean."