North Carolina Beaches Experiencing Dangerous Rip Currents
Summer is in full swing, and it’s an especially dangerous one when it comes to North Carolina and South Carolina rip currents. Lots of people are heading to the Carolina coast for some fun summer vacation time, but along with the beautiful scenery and lovely sunshine comes some danger in the water. For visitors who were at the beach in June, there were certainly some incidents involving dangerous rip currents. Here’s what you should know.
North Carolina Beaches Experiencing Dangerous Rip Currents
USA Today reports that more than 100 people were rescued from rip currents at North Carolina beaches in June just over a seven- to 10-day period. According to USA Today, more than 160 swimmers were rescued in a short period of time from rip currents on North Carolina beaches. The National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina, told the publication that “164 rescues from rip currents were performed from June 18 to 22 in New Hanover County along the coast, with 95 alone at Carolina Beach.” So, why the massive rip currents? The National Weather Service told USA Today that those particular currents were due to an “east-southeast swell and the full moon.” In addition, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) predicts an above-average 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which would mean more instances of dangerous rip currents on the coasts.
So, how do you stay safe amid rip currents? According to the NOAA, “Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the U.S., as well as along the shores of the Great Lakes.” They add that, “Moving at speeds of up to eight feet per second, rip currents can move faster than an Olympic swimmer.” What do you do if you get caught in a rip current? The NOAA says, “Trying to swim straight to the beach against a rip current is just too difficult. Even a good swimmer will become tired and might even drown. The best escape is to turn sideways to the shore, and wade or swim until you are out of the rip current.” They add, “then, move back toward shore at an angle away from the rush of water.” Also, they note that in a dangerous situation, it’s often difficult to tell which way to swim. So, think of it as swimming towards the breaking waves. So, the best thing to do if you’re caught in a rip current is to turn sideways to the shore, and also wade or swim until you are safely out of the rip current. Read below for some severe weather safety tips.
7 Severe Weather Safety Tips That May Save Your Life
