Kapanlagi.com - The Southern Beaches of Yogyakarta, with their stunning natural panorama, continue to be a magnet for tourists wanting to experience their beauty. However, behind its captivating charm lies a threat that often goes unnoticed, namely rip currents. This phenomenon has become the main cause behind many cases of tourists being swept away by waves and drowning in this beautiful area.
One incident that drew attention occurred in January 2025, when a group of students from SMPN 7 Mojokerto were swept away by currents at Drini Beach. Tragically, the incident claimed three lives and served as a reminder of the importance of understanding rip currents and being vigilant while engaging in beach activities.
To raise awareness and safety among visitors, let’s take a look at the explanation of rip currents, the dangers they pose, the signs of their emergence at the Southern Beaches of Yogyakarta, and the reasons why this phenomenon often ensnares tourists. Equally important, we will also share ways to prevent and deal with this dangerous situation so that your experience visiting the southern beach remains safe and enjoyable, as reported by Kapanlagi.com, Thursday (30/1).
1. Definition of Rip Current
According to information from maritim.bmkg.go.id, a rip current is a dangerous current that pulls water from the shore out to the open sea through a narrow channel between breaking waves.
This current arises due to differences in water pressure on the sea surface, caused by uneven breaking waves, creating a fast flow that can exceed 2 meters per second. The danger of rip currents should not be taken lightly; even the strongest swimmers can be swept away by this current if they are not careful.
"Rip currents can even sweep away the strongest swimmers into the sea," writes the BMKG Maritime page.
2. Dangers of Rip Current
Rip currents are one of the main causes of drowning cases at the beach because many tourists are unaware of their presence until they are trapped and swept out to sea in a matter of seconds.
This current is often not visible on the water's surface and can only be recognized by those who understand its specific signs. The high speed of the current makes it difficult for victims to fight against it and return to shore, especially if they panic and try to swim directly against the current.
The current that carries them to dangerous rip current areas is often mistaken for regular large waves and is commonly encountered at the beach, leading many tourists to underestimate its dangers.
"Tourists trapped in rip currents often panic and try to fight the strong current by swimming directly back to shore, but this is what puts them at risk of drowning due to exhaustion," writes oceanservice.noaa.gov.
3. Signs or Characteristics of Rip Current on the Southern Coast of Yogyakarta
Recognizing the signs of rip currents is very important to avoid the dangers they pose. Some characteristics to watch for include:
- Difference in water color: Areas with rip currents usually have darker water because the current pulls sand and sediment from the seabed.
- Smoother water surface: Between the breaking waves, there are areas that appear calmer which are actually strong returning current paths.
- Presence of foam or debris moving seaward: Watch for foam or other materials that seem to be dragged away from the shore; this can be an indication of a rip current.
4. Rip Current Causes Many Tourists at the Southern Beaches of Yogyakarta to Get Swept Away
Many tourists fall into the illusion of calmness when they see the smooth surface of the water, thinking that it is a safe place to swim. However, behind that calmness, there may be hidden dangerous rip currents.
Unfortunately, the lack of knowledge and awareness about this natural phenomenon has resulted in a number of tragic accidents at the southern beaches of Yogyakarta, where many visitors are unaware of the lurking risks.
5. How to Prevent Rip Currents When Visiting the Southern Beaches of Yogyakarta
To avoid the dangers of rip currents, tourists are advised to:
- Swim in areas monitored by lifeguards: Choose swimming locations that have supervision and follow the instructions from the staff.
- Recognize the signs of rip currents: Before entering the water, pay attention to the characteristics that indicate dangerous currents.
- Avoid areas with signs of rip currents: If you see signs such as differences in water color or foam moving out to sea, avoid those areas.
- Stay calm and do not panic if caught in a rip current: If swept away by the current, do not swim against it towards the shore. Instead, swim sideways, parallel to the shoreline, until you are out of the current, then return to the beach by following the waves.
Additionally, tourists are requested to comply with the advice and prohibitions from SAR and beach officials on duty. Warning signs are usually posted around the beach area prohibiting swimming, so it is essential to avoid these for safety.
6. What is meant by rip current?
A rip current is a strong current that moves from the shore to the open sea through a narrow channel between breaking waves.
7. Why do rip currents often occur on the southern coast of Yogyakarta?
The southern coast of Yogyakarta has large waves and a steep coastline, conditions that support the formation of rip currents.
8. How to save yourself if caught in a rip current?
Stay calm, do not panic, and avoid swimming against the current. Swim sideways, parallel to the shoreline, until you are out of the current, then return to the shore by following the waves.
9. Do rip currents often cause tourists to drown?
Yes, rip currents can drag tourists when swimming in dangerous areas around the southern coast.
(kpl/rmt)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.
Follow
Rekomendasi
