Criado-Sudau, F.F.; Nemes, D.D., and Gallo, M.N., 2019. Rip currents dynamic of a swell dominated microtidal beach. In: Silva, R.; Martínez, M.L.; Chávez, V., and Lithgow, D. (eds.), Integrating Biophysical Components in Coastal Engineering Practices. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 92, pp. 121–127. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Rip currents are seaward directed flows responsible for drownings and lifeguard rescues efforts all over the world. However, these currents have not yet received the proper attention from society and decision makers. A significant dataset was gathered during 25 field surveys at Reserva Beach, which is a microtidal intermediate beach in Rio de Janeiro city (Brazil). The data established a correlation among rip currents (magnitude and direction), tides (range and phase), and wave parameters (height, period, and angle of incidence). The most intense rip currents were typically observed during large wave height and shore-normal incidence. These were the two parameters that most influenced the intensity of the currents. Even though the area is characterized by a microtidal regime, tidal modulation was observed. The Reserva beach could be divided into three areas, regarding the frequency and intensity of rip currents. Two lateral areas were classified as “hazardous areas”, and a central region was classified as a “safe area”.