Whirlpool
A whirlpool is a body of rotating water. It is usually produced by ocean tides. A bigger whirlpool is called a maelstrom. It is also produced by a current running into an obstacle or opposing currents.
Whirlpools as a threat
Many stories tell of ships being sucked into a maelstrom, although only smaller craft are actually in danger. If you swim close to it, it will bring you underwater. You will drown and surface after a few seconds.
Whirlpool Media
The Gulf of Corryvreckan whirlpool in Scotland is the third-largest whirlpool in the world.
Saltstraumen, Bodø, Norway. Photo by Guttorm Raknes (drguttorm) May 2004.
The maelstrom off Norway as illustrated by Olaus Magnus on the Carta Marina, 1539.
The Corryvreckan whirpool, between the islands of Jura and Scarba
Whirlpool Rapids viewed from the Aero Car.
This is the Naruto Whirlpools taken on 4-21-2008 from a boat which cruises directly to the whirlpools.
An illustration from Jules Verne's essay "Edgard Poë et ses œuvres" (Edgar Poe and his Works, 1862) drawn by Frederic Lix or Yan' Dargent.
A whirlpool in a glass of water
Other websites
Media related to Whirlpools at Wikimedia Commons