The rip current risk will be high along the North Carolina coast this week due to Hurricane Erin. According to the National Weather Service, Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue is reporting very strong rip currents, and up to 70 rip current rescues have taken place on Monday, Aug. 18. Red flags are flying at Wrightsville Beach, alerting beachgoers not to swim because of dangerous rip currents after 50 rip current rescues. The Surf City Fire Department also reported 15 rip current rescues. The National Weather Service issued a high rip current risk alert for all southeastern North Carolina beaches and northeastern South Carolina beaches from Tuesday through Friday, especially for east and southeast-facing beaches. If you are caught in a rip current, the National Weather Service says you should yell for help, remain calm, and stay afloat without exhausting yourself.
