Planning a beach trip on your day off? See rip current risk on Texas coastline Thursday

Thinking of spending today at the beach?

With hurricane season well underway — and an active system brewing in the Pacific — it’s always important to check that beach conditions are safe before you go.

The National Hurricane Center is now releasing maps that highlight the areas with the greatest rip current risks as tropical weather approaches the U.S. coastline. The new effort aims to raise awareness of a hidden hazard: life-threatening rip currents and swells.

What is a rip current?

A rip current is a narrow, fast-moving channel of water that flows away from the shore at surf beaches. Typically, rip currents move at about 1 to 2 feet per second, but they can reach speeds as fast as 8 feet per second — faster than most people can swim.

Rip currents don’t pull you underwater, but they can quickly carry swimmers away from the shore. They often form near breaks in sandbars or around structures like piers and jetties, where water that has piled up near the shore finds a path back out to sea.

Is Texas under a rip current risk?

While Hurricane Erick won’t impact Texas or its rip currents, moderate rip current conditions still exist along the Texas coast today.

Dangerous, life-threatening rip currents can occur any day, even when the weather is clear and no hurricanes are in sight. In fact, most rip current fatalities happen on clear, sunny days. That’s why it’s important to always stay alert to beach flags and rip current warnings whenever you’re near the water.

According to the latest update, parts of the Texas coast, including areas near Corpus Christi and South Padre Island, are under a moderate rip current risk this Thursday.

This doesn’t mean beachgoers need to avoid swimming altogether, but anyone near the water should remain vigilant and exercise caution.

What do beach flag colors mean?

• Purple: Stinging Marine Life
• Green: Low hazard
• Yellow: Medium hazard
• Red: High hazard
• Double red: Water closed to public

What to do if caught in a rip current

The National Hurricane Center notes that rip currents claim the lives of more than 100 beachgoers annually in the U.S.

"When visiting the ocean, you are safest at beaches with lifeguards," the website states. "If rip currents are forecast for the beach you're visiting, stay out of water."

A graphic shows what to do if caught in a rip current.