Nautical Term: Undertow

Definition of Undertow

Undertow refers to a submerged current that exists beneath the surface of a surf. This current can pull strongly towards the shore, creating a potential hazard for swimmers and surfers. For instance, in the following paragraph, you can observe how the undertow poses a threat to swimmers: ‘The ocean water was a beautiful shade of turquoise as the sun began to set. However, a few unlucky swimmers were quickly reminded of the ocean’s hidden dangers. As they waded out further from the shore, they suddenly felt the undertow’s strong pull towards the shore. Unable to resist the current’s power, they were quickly swept back towards the shore, leaving them bruised and shaken. From that day on, they made sure to always heed the ocean’s warnings and respect its hidden dangers.’

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