85 Rip Current Rescues Reported in North Carolina Amid Hurricane Erin Threat
WILMINGTON, NC — Nearly 85 people have been rescued from dangerous rip currents along the North Carolina coast as the effects of Hurricane Erin churn up high surf and hazardous swimming conditions.
Strong Rip Currents Prompt Red Flag Warnings
As of Monday, Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue reported up to 70 rescues, with conditions worsening throughout the day. By mid-afternoon, 50 rescues had already been confirmed, prompting officials to raise red flags, signaling beachgoers to stay out of the water due to high risk.
Meanwhile, Surf City Fire Department reported 15 additional rescues, bringing the total number of incidents in southeastern North Carolina to at least 85.
The National Weather Service has issued a high rip current risk alert effective through Friday, impacting both southeastern NC beaches and northeastern South Carolina. Officials are especially concerned about east- and southeast-facing beaches, which are more exposed to swells from Hurricane Erin.
What to Do If You’re Caught in a Rip Current
As ocean conditions worsen, authorities are urging beachgoers to be aware of what to do if caught in a rip current:
- Yell for help and remain calm.
- Float to conserve energy; don’t fight the current.
- Swim parallel to shore until you’re out of the current.
- Once clear, angle back toward the beach.
Trying to swim directly against the current can exhaust even strong swimmers, increasing the risk of drowning.
Hurricane Erin’s Ongoing Coastal Impact
The surge in rescues follows a broader pattern of tropical activity increasing coastal hazards this summer. Hurricane Erin, currently located off the Atlantic coast, is expected to intensify in the coming days and amplify surf and wind conditions along the Outer Banks and other vulnerable areas.
As the storm progresses, forecasters are warning of continued hazardous surf, coastal flooding, and strong onshore winds, even without a direct landfall.
For more updates on weather emergencies and public safety in the Carolinas, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com regularly.
