The National Weather service issued rip current warnings for North Carolina beaches Wednesday. Rip current warnings will remain in effect through Friday.
Coastal beaches in Pender County and New Hanover County will experience the bulk of the dangerous conditions with surf heights reaching four to five feet.
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Just last week, Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue reported 15 plus rescues in a single day as strong rip currents created dangerous conditions along the coast.
Rip currents are powerful currents of water that sweep away from the shoreline. These currents can overwhelm even the most experienced swimmers. here are tips to avoid, spot and survive rip currents.
Rip current safety tips
When at the beach
- Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.
- Never swim alone.
- Learn how to swim in the surf. It's not the same as swimming in a pool or lake.
- Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out.
- Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job.
- Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist along these structures.
- Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean’s surface.
- Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.
RELATED: What is a rip current? What to do if you feel the pull
