WILMINGTON, N.C. — It’s been a dangerous week along the North Carolina coast. With Hurricane Erin churning offshore, rip current risks are extremely high — and lifeguards have been busy.
On Monday, Aug. 18, Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue reported nearly 70 rescues in a single day. At one point, red flags were flying after 50 people had to be pulled from the water. In Surf City, first responders reported another 15 rescues.
Every summer, our community hears the same heartbreaking story: a family visiting from out of state loses a loved one to a rip current. These tragedies are preventable — but only if you know what to do.
What is a Rip Current?
A rip current is a narrow, fast-moving channel of water that flows away from the shore. Think of it like a treadmill in the ocean — it pulls swimmers out to deeper water quickly and powerfully. They can form even on calm, sunny days and are nearly impossible to spot unless you know the signs.
How to Survive a Rip Current
The National Weather Service offers this life-saving advice:
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Don’t fight the current. Never try to swim straight back to shore — you’ll exhaust yourself.
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Stay calm and float. Conserve your energy and keep your head above water.
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Swim parallel to the beach. Once you’re out of the narrow current, swim back toward shore.
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Signal for help. Wave your arms and yell if you need assistance.
Bottom Line
Rip currents are the number one weather-related killer along U.S. beaches. Even strong swimmers can get caught. Before you visit the beach, check the surf forecast, look for warning flags, and always swim near a lifeguard.
This week, with a high rip current risk along all southeastern North Carolina beaches, extra caution could save your life.