You are advised not to try to fight back against a rip current, but, instead to swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the current. If you're planning to head to the beach this July 4th holiday, listen to warnings. At least 11 people have died near Florida's beaches from apparent drownings and you need to be aware of dangerous rip currents. A rip current is a powerful, narrow channel of water that you can't see from shore. It won't pull you under water, but will pull you away from shore.