Understanding Rip Currents, Dangerous Currents on the Southern Coast of Yogyakarta that Drag Tourists

Kapanlagi.com - Who isn’t captivated by the beauty of the ocean panorama at the southern beaches of Yogyakarta? With stretches of white sand and crashing waves, this place indeed becomes a paradise for tourists. However, behind its enchanting charm, there lies a threat that is often overlooked: rip currents.

Rip currents, or backflow currents of the sea waves, are the main cause of many drowning incidents at the southern beaches of Yogyakarta. One tragic event that reminds us of this danger is the incident involving students from SMPN 7 Mojokerto at Drini Beach. This incident serves as a valuable lesson about the seriousness of the rip current threat, which can sweep anyone out to sea at high speed, making it difficult for victims to survive.

The phenomenon of rip currents occurs due to the activity of backflow sea waves, and it is very important for every tourist to be vigilant and recognize the signs. In this article, we will thoroughly discuss what rip currents are, their causes, and how to recognize the signs that can help you stay safe while enjoying the beauty of the beach.

Stay cautious and enjoy the beauty of nature wisely! More information will be presented in the Kapanlagi.com summary on Wednesday (29/1).

1. Rip Current at the Southern Beaches of Yogyakarta that Often Drag Tourists

Behind the charm of the southern beaches of Yogyakarta, such as Parangtritis, Baron Beach, and Drini Beach, lies a lurking danger for swimmers: the phenomenon of rip currents.

Known as extremely strong currents, rip currents occur when rolling sea waves return to the ocean through narrow gaps between higher waves, creating a pull that can drag anyone caught into the deep sea at a concerning speed.

Especially in January 2025, when the waves are at their fiercest, tourists are urged to be more vigilant and avoid dangerous areas that are not monitored by SAR personnel or lifeguards. The beauty of nature must be balanced with caution to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday!

2. Rip Currents Caused by Differences in Water Pressure at the Sea Surface

Rip current, or backflow, is a frightening phenomenon that can occur at various beaches, especially those with large waves and steep shorelines. These currents form due to differences in water pressure at the ocean's surface, caused by uneven breaking waves.

As a result, a narrow channel is created that can pull water back to the sea at an astonishing speed, even reaching more than 2 meters per second! Not only that, tidal conditions, beach shape, and underwater structure can also exacerbate this situation, creating natural pathways for the current to flow faster out to the open sea.

"RIP Current occurs due to the meeting of waves parallel to the shoreline, triggering a backflow with high speed," explains the website maritim.bmkg.go.id.

3. Rip Current Can Drag Swimmers at High Speeds

Rip current, an invisible yet deadly current, is one of the leading causes of drowning at the beach. Many tourists get caught in the grip of this current without realizing its presence, and within seconds they are swept out to sea. This current is often not visible on the surface, and only those who are sensitive to certain signs—such as changes in water color, areas with calmer waves, or foam flowing out to sea—can recognize it.

In panic, many victims try to fight the current by swimming back to shore, when in fact the most effective way to save themselves is to swim sideways away from the current, before eventually following the calmer wave flow back to land.

"The speed of this current can vary depending on wave conditions, tides, and beach shape, and can even exceed 2 m/s," stated BMKG, emphasizing how dangerous rip currents are for beachgoers.

4. Characteristics or Signs of Rip Current

Rip current, or backflow, often hides behind enticing waves, but there are several signs that can help us recognize it before diving into the sea. One prominent characteristic is the darker water path visible between the breaking waves, indicating a current rushing out to sea, while the seemingly calm areas actually conceal dangers that can pull swimmers in without their awareness.

Additionally, the movement of sea foam flowing straight out to sea and the color differences in the water at various beach spots also serve as important signals of deeper and stronger current channels. So, before enjoying the beauty of the ocean, let’s be vigilant of these signs to stay safe!

5. Sea Accident Cases Due to Rip Current: Students of SMPN 7 Mojokerto at Drini Beach

In a tragic event that shook the community, a group of students from SMPN 7 Mojokerto experienced a tragic incident during a class outing at Drini Beach, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta. While happily playing at the beach, 13 students were swept away by a fierce rip current, resulting in the loss of three lives, while one other student is still being searched for by the SAR team.

This heartbreaking incident highlights the importance of understanding the dangers of rip currents and the need for better education and stricter supervision for tourists, especially at southern beaches known for their strong and unpredictable currents.

"Earlier today, the team successfully found three victims, unfortunately, they were found deceased," said the Secretary of the SAR Satlinmas Region II Beach Baron, Surisdiyanto, as reported by ANTARA.

6. What is meant by rip current?

Rip current, or backflow current, is a frightening ocean phenomenon, where strong currents pull water toward the open sea, often without being visible to the naked eye. Although it appears calm on the surface, this current poses great danger to unsuspecting swimmers.

7. Why do rip currents often occur on the southern beaches of Yogyakarta?

The southern beaches are captivating with their large rolling waves, accompanied by steep seabeds and dancing wave patterns, creating strong and challenging rip currents.

8. How to save yourself if caught in a rip current?

Don't panic! If you are caught in a current, avoid swimming against the force of the rolling water. Instead, move sideways away from the current, then follow the wave flow to safely return to the shore. Stay calm, and let the waves guide you home!

9. How to recognize a rip current before entering the water?

Pay attention to areas with different water colors, waves that appear calmer between breaking waves, and foam that moves straight out to sea.

(kpl/srr)