Lifeguards say stay out of the water

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Tropical storm Colin left beach visitors seeing red this weekend. Red flags, that is.

Ocean rescue says Colin and a new moon caused extreme rip currents throughout the coast this weekend. Saturday Wrightsville Beach lifeguards saved more than 200 people. In a normal season they make fewer than 300 saves. Sunday the beach was under red flag conditions to keep swimmers out of the water and safe.

“We advise people not to go into the water, because all it takes is one wave to knock your child down, and if they’re in a rip current, they’re going to be pulled out to sea,” Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue Director Dave Baker said.

Ocean Rescue called in extra lifeguards at Wrightsville Beach to help with the extreme conditions. If you are caught in a rip current, relax and swim parallel to shore until you’re out.