Sunday

Rip Current Basics

Audio PSA of the day (~ 40 seconds)

Rip currents are the number one weather related killer in the coastal Carolinas. 

This week is Rip Current Awareness Week.  This week the National Weather Service offices in Charleston, SC, Wilmington, NC, Newport/Morehead City, NC and Wakefield, VA, are teaming up to bring this rip current safety campaign to all of our local beaches. With warmer weather quickly approaching, now is the time to prepare for the beach season.  If each resident would take a few moments this week to learn about rip currents and beach safety, then we would all be better off we visit the beach.

What Are Rip Currents?

• Rip currents are strong, channelized currents of water that flow back into the ocean from the shoreline. They act as treadmills of the ocean, pulling people away from the shore. 
• Rip currents are FASTER than an Olympic Swimmer!
• Rip currents DO NOT pull people under the water, they pull people away from the shore.
• The length and width of rip currents can vary dramatically.

Why Are Rip Currents Dangerous?

• Rip currents are the BIGGEST weather related killer in the Carolinas. Since 2000, we have lost just under 200 people from rip currents, an average of about 8 people per year!
• They pull people away from shore into deeper waters. 
• People try to swim against rip currents versus swimming out of them.
• Sometimes the worst rip current days occur when the weather is GREAT! Nice and sunny does not mean the ocean is safe.
• They are often hard to identify in the surf and not everyone knows about the danger of rip currents. 
• The length and width of rip currents can vary dramatically.

Rip Current Safety Video (Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean)
 

(click to enlarge)

Monday

How to escape a Rip

Audio PSA of the day (~ 60 seconds)

It is not always obvious if you are caught in a rip current.  One sign you may be in a rip - as you try to swim towards shore you are not making any progress and are becoming tired. With stronger rips, you may feel you are being pulled away from the beach.  Know your options if you are caught in a rip current.

If caught in a rip current:

• Try to remain calm to conserve energy
• DO NOT FIGHT the current. Think of a rip current like a treadmill you can't turn off. You want to step to the side of it.
• Swim across the current in a direction parallel to/following the shoreline.
• Once out of the current, swim back towards shore.
• If you can't escape the current, try to float or calmly tread water.
• If at any time you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms and yell for help.

Rip Current Rescue - Drone Footage

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Below is drone footage taken by Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue of three people caught in a rip current and subsequently rescued by a lifeguard. Discoloration of the water can be seen showing the location of the rip current. Three people are being moved away from shore by the current, attempt to swim against the current without luck, and begin to tread water to stay afloat. A lifeguard enters the water towards the end of the video and has the swimmers grab a flotation device before moving them sideways out of the current in order to swim back to shore.

Rip Current/Beach Safety Infographics

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Tuesday

How to Spot a Rip

Audio PSA of the day (~ 60 seconds)

Rip currents are often found in areas where waves are NOT breaking, and it may actually look inviting to swim there. The water is often darker in a rip current. Look for a line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving away from the shore. Rip currents are easier to spot from an elevated viewpoint such as a beach access. Rip currents are more common near low tide and near jetties or piers. ALWAYS try to swim at a life guarded beach and know the forecast before you get in the water. 

How Do Rip Currents Form?

• Rip currents form as incoming waves push water up the slope of the beach. To remain in balance, excess water building in the surf zone seeks the path of least resistance as a rip current through the surf zone. 
• Rip current formation is more favorable with incoming wave direction perpendicular to shore, larger wave heights, and longer wave periods. However, rip currents can still form in surf of only 1 to 2 feet.
• Rip currents are most common within a few hours of low tide, but can still form during all hours of the day.

Photos and Videos of Rip Currents

(click to enlarge)

Tips on Staying Safe while Visiting the Beach:

• Swim near a lifeguard. The chances of drowning at a beach with lifeguards are 1 in 19 million.
• Near swim alone. Always swim with a buddy so that if one swimmer has a problem, the other can provide assistance and call for help.
• Pay attention to the street you access the beach from, the beach access name or what milepost you are closest to. Every second counts in an emerency! 
• Know how to swim before venturing into the ocean.  Swimming in a pool is not the same as swimming at a surf beach with crashing waves, winds, and dangerous current.
• Know before you go. Check the local surf forecast before going to the beach.
• If in doubt, don't go out!

Beach Hazards Video

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Rip Current/Beach Safety Infographics

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Wednesday

Rip Risk Forecast

Audio PSA of the day (~ 60 seconds)

Rip currents are commonly found at any beach where there are breaking waves. Knowing the forecast BEFORE you hit the sand is important so you can avoid potential hazards BEFORE they happen.  Local meteorologists predict risk levels, based on factors such as wave height, period, and tides. You can find a forecast for your beach by visiting www.weather.gov/beach, or watching one of our local broadcast partners.  Rip current risk levels are broken down into, low, moderate or high. Always heed the advice of lifeguards and flag warning systems, and strongly consider avoiding the water altogether on red flag or high risk days. 

Rip Current Forecast Interactive Map (Click On The Office That Covers Your Beach For a Forecast)

Southeast Beach Forecast Page: www.weather.gov/beach/southeast

NWS Charleston, SC (typical beach season March 15 - Oct 31): www.weather.gov/beach/chs

NWS Wilmington, NC (typical beach season April 1 - Oct 31): www.weather.gov/beach/ilm

• Experimental Surf Forecast Matrix for NWS Wilmington Area: www.weather.gov/ilm/surfmatrices
• ILM Surf Products Quick Guide: www.weather.gov/media/ilm/ILMSurfProductsGuide.pdf

NWS Newport/Morehead City, NC (typical beach season early/mid April - Oct 31): www.weather.gov/beach/mhx

NWS Wakefield, VA (typical beach season mid/late May - Oct 1): www.weather.gov/beach/akq

• Experimental Surf Forecast Matrix for NWS Wakefield Area: www.weather.gov/akq/surfmatrices

Rip Current Safety Video (Know Before You Go)
 

(click to enlarge)

Thursday

Inland Impacts

Audio PSA of the day (~ 60 seconds)

Rip currents impact anybody visiting the beach! Rip currents are dangerous because they pull people away from shore into deeper waters. In the Carolinas, about half of all rip current fatalities are out of state visitors!  While tornadoes, flooding, and hurricanes get a lot of attention, rip currents are the BIGGEST weather related killer. Knowing the forecast before you visit, swimming at life guarded beaches, and understanding how to get out of a rip current are important for everybody that visits, not just those that live at the beach.  

North and South Carolina Rip Current Fatality Statistics (2000-2024)

• 49% of fatalities were from out-of-state (i.e., non-NC or SC resident).
• Only 18% of fatalities lived in the coastal Carolinas.

Top 10 Hometown States of Carolinas Rip Current Fatalities: (2000-2024)

• North Carolina - 60 (34%)
• South Carolina - 26 (15%)
• Virginia - 15 (9%)
• Maryland - 13 (7%)
• Ohio - 11 (6%)
• Kentucky - 6 (3%)
• Pennsylvania - 6 (3%)
• New York - 5 (3%)
• Georgia - 4 (2%)
• Florida - 4 (2%)

Photos and Videos of Rip Currents

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Rip Current Dye Tracking

Rip Current/Beach Safety Infographics

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Friday

Bystander Problem

Audio PSA of the day (~ 60 seconds)

Since 2011, almost a third of rip current drownings have been from bystanders. If someone is caught in a rip current, get help from a lifeguard, or if one is not present, call 9-1-1 immediately! Advise the person to swim following the shoreline to escape the current. If possible, throw the person something that floats. Some beaches have devices near beach access areas for this purpose, or use a boogie board. NEVER enter the water without a flotation device.

Rip Current Safety Video (Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean)
 

(click to enlarge)

Saturday

Distant Storms

Audio PSA of the day (~ 60 seconds)

Sometimes the worst rip current days occur with the best weather. Tropical cyclones that are far away can still create deadly rip currents and waves. Never assume that the ocean is safe, even if the weather is nice. Check the forecast before you go and if the risk is high, consider avoiding the ocean that day. We lost FOUR lives in North Carolina in 2019 from Hurricane Lorenzo. Even though the storm was almost 2,000 miles from the coast, dangerous swells caused an enhanced threat of rip currents.  In the past 20 years, about 10% of rip current fatalities have been due to swells from tropical cyclones.

Between 2000 and 2021, there were approximately 143 surf fatalities caused by Atlantic tropical cyclones in the continental U.S.

- 100 of which were due to rip currents. Over half of these fatalities occurred when the tropical cyclone had no impacts at the fatality location other than rough surf and marine conditions (i.e., the storm stayed out to sea or made landfall elsewhere in the Atlantic). 

On a local level, 10% of rip current fatalities in the Carolinas between 2000 and 2022 have been due to swells from tropical cyclones. At Wrightsville Beach, NC, there is a peak in strong rip currents reported in the month of September correlated to the peak in Atlantic hurricane season (based on observations collected from Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue since 2004).

In 2019, Hurricane Lorenzo was a tropical cyclone in the eastern Atlantic from September 22nd - October 4th. Lorenzo was a powerful major hurricane for days and was the northern most category 5 storm on record in the Atlantic. From September 26 - 30, Lorenzo was a category 2 hurricane or stronger and was either moving right at the U.S. or moving slowly. This generated long period swells that traversed the Atlantic, taking four days for the swells to reach the East Coast. As a result, a deadly rip current outbreak occurred along the U.S. East Coast, despite Hurricane Lorenzo getting no closer than ~1,700 nautical miles from the coast. Strong rip currents and hazardous surf conditions were reported up and down the coastline. Eight lives were lost in total, six of which were rip current related, between September 30th and October 3rd. Four of these fatalities occurred in North Carolina. Lorenzo led to the most U.S. surf fatalities from an Atlantic tropical cyclone since Hurricane Gabrielle in 1989. For additional information, check out our StoryMap for Hurricane Lorenzo

Aerial view of rip currents due to swells from distant Hurricane Fiona (over 500 miles away) September 2022

(click to enlarge)

Can you spot the rip currents? Hint: look for where the dark colored sediment is being pulled out beyond the waves

Other Beach Hazards

Rip currents may be one of the biggest hazards in the ocean but other risks such as heat, lightning, high surf and shorebreak can be just as dangerous or even life threatening. Knowing the forecast and being prepared before you hit the beach is the best thing you can do. 

When enjoying the beach on the hottest days of the year, it is easy to become overheated. Take care of yourself and your family by looking out for signs of heat stroke which can include: 

☀️ Headache
☀️ Dizziness, disorientation, agitation or confusion
☀️ Sluggishness or fatigue
☀️ Seizure
☀️ Hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
☀️ Loss of consciousness
☀️ Rapid heartbeat
☀️ Hallucinations

Heat & Sunburn

Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States. Heat can be very taxing on the body and heat-related illnesses,  such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can occur within even a short period of exposure. Everyone can be vulnerable to heat, but some more so than others (such as young children, older adults, and pregnant women). Stay safe in the sun when on the beach by using sunscreen, staying hydrated, and taking breaks in the shade. 

Beach Heat Safety Tips:

⛱️ Hydration is essential: Make sure everyone stays hydrated before, during and after spending time outdoors. Bring plenty of water for yourself and your pet. Drink more water than usual and don't wait until you're thirsty. 

⛱️ Those at high risk for heat-related illness (young children, elderly and people with chronic medical
conditions) should stay in an air conditioned environment on days when the temperature exceeds 95 degrees.

⛱️ Pace yourself while exercising or playing in hot weather. Be sure to take breaks in the shade.
⛱️ Protect your skin using reef-safe sunscreen and reapplying every two hours.
⛱️ Cover up with a wide-brimmed hat. Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing.

⛱️ The touch test: Before stepping onto pavement or sand, do a quick check. Place the back of your hand on the surface for ten seconds. IF it's too hot for you, it's too hot for you and your pet.

⛱️ Time your walks: Schedule walks for cooler times like early morning or evening. Seek out shady areas or grassy patches whenever possible.

⛱️ Footwear for all: Consider protective footwear for both you and your pet. Sturdy sandals for humans and pet booties are great options. 

Beach Heat Safety Infographics

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Lightning

If you are on the beach or in the ocean and hear thunder or see lightning, immediately seek shelter in a substantial building (i.e., not under a beach picnic shelter) or a metal topped car. Lightning can strike far away from the thunderstorm and if you can hear thunder or see lightning, you are close enough for lightning to strike you. Lightning strikes the tallest object in the area and if you are standing on the beach you become the tallest object. 

Lightning Safety Video (Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean)
 

(click to enlarge)

If you are on the beach or in the ocean and hear thunder or see lightning, immediately seek shelter in a substantial building (i.e., not under a beach picnic shelter) or a metal topped car. Lightning can strike far away from the thunderstorm and if you can hear thunder or see lightning, you are close enough for lightning to strike you. Lightning strikes the tallest object in the area and if you are standing on the beach you become the tallest object. 

Shorebreak

Shorebreak occurs where you have a relatively sharply sloping beach so that incoming waves, rather than breaking gradually as they feel the bottom of the sea floor, break quickly and steeply onshore. The force of shorebreak waves can catch unsuspecting swimmers off guard driving them into the sand, causing neck and back injuries, and in some cases even drowning. Shorebreak is common along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and the hazard typically increases as wave height increases. You must stay situationally aware at all times and never turn your back on the ocean. Check out the PSA videos below from Dare County, NC on the dangers of shorebreak. 

Longshore Currents

Longshore currents flow parallel to the shore within the zone of breaking waves. Longshore currents develop when waves approach the beach at an angle (versus straight on - which is more favorable to rip current formation). If strong enough, longshore currents can push people in the water down the beach such that where you exit the water is not where you entered. Majority of issues related to longshore currents arise from people being pushed off of a sandbar or giving trouble to those with weaker swimming abilities. Longshore currents can also push swimmers into rip currents or structures (if position and conditions are right). To exit a longshore current, simply swim toward the shore. 

Hazardous Swimming Areas:

In addition to common surf hazards, there are certain areas along the coast that are hazardous to be near in the water. These dangers become amplified during certain weather and wave conditions. Check out the graphics below on various hazardous swimming areas found in the Carolinas. Read more in the StoryMap: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/27ea757601d944afa35e669cb2e83b43.

​

Hazardous Swimming Areas Infographics

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Other Hazards:

Why is it dangerous to dig and leave holes in the sand?

Digging holes in the sand is more dangerous than it may initially seem. Every year, children and adults die
from suffocation after holes and tunnels in the sand collapse and trap them.

🕳 Large holes in the sand are difficult to see and cause dangerous obstacles for ocean rescue personnel and
lifeguards who are trying to quickly provide emergency services to those in need.\

🕳 Sea turtle laying and hatching season runs from May through September. Holes in the sand often become
fatal obstructions for female sea turtles laying nests on the beach at night and hatchlings heading out to sea
roughly 60 days later.

🕳 Sand collapses occur in holes just a few feet deep. Never dig a hole deeper than it is wide. Children and
adults should not dig holes deeper than their knees when standing in them.
If you do dig a hole, please fill it in before you leave the beach. Even small holes should be filled in before you
leave.

​How can I keep my child safe around unfamiliar swimming pools?

According to the CDC, the most common cause of death in children ages 1-4 is drowning. For every child
who dies from drowning, another eight receive emergency care for non-fatal drownings.

To ensure the safety of your children during your stay on the Outer Banks, please follow these safety tips if
your accommodations include a swimming pool:

✔️ Secure your pool with appropriate barriers. Never prop the pool’s gate door open.
✔️ Designate a responsible adult to supervise closely and stay within arm’s reach of young children.
✔️ After swim time is over, shut and lock doors that provide access to water.
✔️ If a child is missing, always check the water first.

For more swimming safety tips, please visit CDC.gov/Drowning/Prevention.

How can I enjoy the beach at night?

Whether you're stargazing or listening to the soothing sounds of the waves, the beach after dark is magical.
However, it's essential to take precautions and be aware of potential hazards, such as limited visibility,
changing tides and wildlife activity.

Please follow these tips to safely enjoy the beach at night, while respecting the natural environment:

⭐ Avoid shining lights on the beach at night as this may frighten away nesting female sea turtles and interfere
with baby turtles' ability to find the sea. Instead, use turtle-friendly red-light flashlights when walking along the
beach at night.
⭐ Don't disturb a turtle that is crawling to or from the ocean or laying eggs. Watch from a distance.
⭐ Don't swim at dawn, dusk or at night, as these are times when sharks feed.

Other Hazards Infographics

(click to enlarge)

Deaf & Hard of Hearing

#SeeAFlashDashInside

Rip Current Safety (ASL Video)

Check out this video in American Sign Language from the National Weather Service
to learn about what you need to know about rip currents youtu.be/V-t-9R2o8No

Severe Thunderstorm Safety (ASL Video)

Do you see a lot of strong thunderstorms in your area?
Check out this video in American Sign Language from the National Weather Service
to learn about what you need to know for the next big storm! youtu.be/V-t-9R2o8No

Tornado Safety (ASL Video)

You may only have seconds to get to your safe place when the next tornado occurs!

Learn where to shelter and how to get warning information from the National Weather Service with this video in American Sign Language!
youtu.be/aEPC5F4Zios

See a Flash, Dash Inside (ASL Video)

If you are outdoors and see a flash of lightning or feel the rumble of thunder, dash inside immediately! Check out our Lightning Safety video in American Sign Language and captioned in English!
 

NOAA Weather Radio (ASL Video)

NOAA Weather Radios receive warnings, watches, forecasts, and other hazard information 24 hours a day. Why would Deaf people want a radio? They can be used as a way to alert you or wake you up at night! Some come with flashing lights, vibrating alarm attachments, and color displays with text readouts for use by those with hearing loss. youtu.be/A4izxOnKnug

General Safety and Preparedness Tips (ASL Video)

Having a plan is important in times of emergency, and this includes building an emergency preparedness kit before a disaster. Learn how with this video in American Sign Language.
youtu.be/XWEvqy0e9-0

Rip Current Safety (Español)

Seguridad Meteorológica (Weather Safety)

No Se Arriesgue

Si alguien queda atrapado en una corriente marina, ayúdelo sin ponerse en riesgo a usted mismo. Busque ayuda de un salvavidas o utilice un dispositivo de flotación si entra al agua. Aprenda más en: www.weather.gov/wrn/summer-campaign-sm-plan-SP 

Manténgase Seco Cuando el Oleaje Esté Alto (Stay Dry When Waves are High)

¡Manténgase seco cuando el oleaje esté alto! El oleaje rompiente puede ser impresionante, pero es fácil subestimar su poder. Manténgase al pendiente de sus alrededores a lo largo de la orilla, ya que las olas pueden atraparlo desprevenido rápidamente. weather.gov/wrn/rip-current-espanol-sm

Sobreviva una Corriente Marina (Survive A Rip Current)

Las corrientes marinas pueden arrastrar incluso al nadador más experimentado lejos de la costa. Si es posible, quédese cerca de un salvavidas mientras nada. Conozca más en: weather.gov/wrn/rip-current-espanol-sm

Solo Nade en Playas Donde Esté Presente un Salvavidas (Only Swim at a Beach with Lifeguards)

¿Sabía usted que la probabilidad de ahogarse en una playa con un salvavidas en servicio es 1 en 18 millones? Nade solo en playas donde esté en servicio un salvavidas. weather.gov/wrn/rip-current-espanol-sm 

¿Listo meteorológicamente para la playa? (Weather-Ready for the Beach?)

Está listo para la playa, pero ¿está listo meteorológicamente? Prepárese, y sepa cómo reaccionar ante peligros sobre las condiciones del tiempo y el agua, tales como corrientes marinas y olas peligrosas, calor excesivo y rayos. weather.gov

Ayudando a Otros: Peligros Playeros (Helping Others: Beach Hazards)

En la playa, el mantenerse alerta y conocer cuándo hablar más fuerte puede salvar la vida de alguien. Si conoce a alguien de fuera de la ciudad, infórmele sobre los peligros de las corrientes marinas y de otras amenazas en la playa.
Si alguien le está haciendo señas o gritando: no entre en pánico, tómese 10 segundos para evaluar la situación y luego alerte de inmediato a un salvavidas. Mientras llega la ayuda, vea si hay un dispositivo de flotación que pueda arrojarle. No intente un rescate por su cuenta. weather.gov/safety/beach

Seguridad Contra Quemaduras por el Sol (Sunburn Safety)

¿Planifica pasar tiempo bajo el sol durante sus vacaciones esta primavera? ¡Aplique mucho protector solar! Además, tenga en cuenta que las enfermedades relacionadas con el calor son una posibilidad si no toma ciertas precauciones. Obtenga más información sobre las enfermedades relacionadas con el calor y cómo prevenirlas en weather.gov/safety/heat-illness

 Protéjase al Aire Libre (Protect Yourself Outdoors)

Cuando esté al aire libre en condiciones calurosas, utilice ropa ligera, holgada y de colores claros para reflejar el calor y la luz solar. Si va a pasar tiempo al aire libre, los sombreros también son una buena idea para proteger su rostro y cuero cabelludo de los dañinos rayos UV. Además, no olvide usar protector solar. weather.gov/safety/heat