Is it safe to swim in the sea in Turkey when there are big waves?

From messages by 2 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 88 days ago

TL;DR

Yes, strong waves often create powerful rip currents near shore (especially by concrete slabs/breakwaters) that can pull swimmers out to sea — best to stay out of the water or choose a hotel with breakwaters.

What the community said

Near concrete slabs on the beach, waves get stronger and higher close to shore, and the current pulls swimmers strongly toward those slabs — not worth the risk, better to just watch from the shore.

Current near concrete slabs

If the waves look big and you're not a strong swimmer, simply don't go into the sea — assess your own ability realistically.

During strong waves, a powerful current starts right at the shore because of underwater slabs; last year a lifeguard barely managed to pull out a woman who was being dragged into the sea. This year it's better to pick a hotel with sea breakwaters — the water there is calmer.

Hotel with breakwaters