Currents Vs Tides
Often rip currents are called rip tides but that is incorrect because they are two different phenomenons. Here's why:
Tides:
The alternate rising and falling of the sea level due to the gravitational forces from the moon.
Currents:
Continuous predictable directed movement of seawater caused by wind, tides, and water density differences. This image depicts a large system of ocean surface currents formerly known as gyres.