FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — Though the terms “rip current” and “rip tide” are often mistakenly used interchangeably, it’s important to understand they are not the same thing.
The way to understand the difference between rip currents and rip tides is to make a connection with what causes each one.
Rip currents are caused by weather conditions, especially the wind. Rip tides on the other hand, don’t have a direct connection to the weather. Instead, they’re fueled by outgoing tides that are enhanced by the contours of the shoreline…