It's possible that the title of the track was inspired by this place in Austraila. Thought it was an interesting find:

 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rip:
 
""The Rip" is a dangerous piece of water in Victoria, Australia connecting Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait.

Due to large tidal differences between the bay and the ocean, and a high rocky seabed, The Rip has claimed many ships and the lives of people through its seafaring history."

http://www.portofmelbourne.com/shipping/webcams/ptlon_cam2.asp

it's just a general term for a strong water current near any shore.

is your username from the (awesome) pj harvey song? 

nitrogenberry:

it's just a general term for a strong water current near any shore.

 

is your username from the (awesome) pj harvey song? 

Whoops! Didn't know that. Heard the term riptide before but never just "rip". Is it a British English thing?

Yuss it is.