Deadly Rip Currents Surge on Southeast Coast

As of Tuesday, there's still a risk of rip currents along the North Carolina coast, with 164 people rescued from the dangerous waters last week. 95 of those rescues occurred at Carolina Beach.

"The weekend's currents were due to an east-southeast swell and the full moon."
— National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina

Source: NWS Rip Current Warning

Rip Current Dangers

Earlier in June, rip currents in Florida caused the drowning of a couple off Stuart Beach and four deaths in Panama City.

What Are Rip Currents?

"[Rip currents are] a current of water flowing away from the shore at surf beaches...They typically extend from near the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves."
— National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

How to Spot and Escape

Rip currents are identifiable by choppy water, differences in water color, foam or debris moving seaward, and breaks in wave patterns.

If caught in a rip current:

• Stay calm, swim parallel to the shore, and don't fight the current.
• Float or tread water to conserve energy.
• Draw attention by yelling and waving.

If you see someone caught:

• Alert a lifeguard.
• Call 911.
• Throw something that floats—don't enter the water without a flotation device.

For more information on rip currents, visit the NOAA website.

Stay Informed, Stay Safe