Academic Suggests Rip Currents Enter National Disaster Threat List

Rip currents have been in the spotlight for claiming many lives, including on various beaches in Indonesia. Academics believe it is time for the government to include rip currents as a national disaster threat due to the increasing risks and casualties. Dr. Ir. Wahyudi, a Coastal Engineering lecturer at ITS, referred to rip currents as having significant impact. ‘I will propose rip currents as one of the hazards to be considered in disaster risk assessments because they claim many lives every year,’ Wahyudi said on Tuesday (9/12/2025). Data compiled by Wahyudi shows that between January-November 2025, there were 66 incidents of rip current casualties in Indonesia. A total of 164 victims were reported, with 83 fatalities. These numbers are particularly concerning as most incidents coincide with school holidays, such as during the periods of January-February and May-July. ‘Many of the victims are elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as university students. This is very concerning,’ he added. He further explained that the high number of casualties is due to the vulnerability of communities not fully understanding the dangers of rip currents. Just on the South Coast of Java, an average of 21 people die each year due to rip currents from 2013-2022, increasing to 28 if calculated for 2018-2022. Wahyudi emphasized that rip currents are not just a local phenomenon, but a global threat. For example, in the United States, an estimated 100 people are victims of rip currents annually. China reports around 60 victims, while Korea has approximately 200 victims with 30 fatalities. Meanwhile, the UK states that 71% of maritime accidents in its waters are related to rip currents. Countries like Brazil, Colombia, India, Israel, and Japan have long recognized rip currents as a primary threat. However, this situation is not yet reflected in Indonesia’s national policies. ‘Rip currents have not been included as a deadly threat in the Disaster Management Law,’ said Wahyudi. Rip currents are water flows that move in the opposite direction of incoming waves, perpendicular to the shoreline. Wahyudi emphasized that prevention measures cannot be delayed any longer. Education about rip currents should be comprehensive, targeting local officials, tourist operators, lifeguards, school students, university students, and the general public. He also stressed the importance of having professional beach safety guards, clear warning signs, and safe swimming zones. ‘Government support for efforts to prevent fatal rip current victims cannot be delayed any longer,’ he stated. He proposed that rip current threats in Indonesian coastal waters be immediately included as a national disaster threat. ‘My recommendation is for the deadly threat of rip currents in Indonesian coastal waters to be classified as a national disaster threat,’ he concluded.