Warm weather draws beach crowds as officials warn of rip current dangers

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Warmer temperatures are bringing more people to the coast, but safety officials are warning that dangerous rip currents can form even on calm, sunny days.

Rip currents remain a constant threat for beachgoers in the Cape Fear region, which is why April 28th through May 2nd is Carolinas Rip Current Awareness Week.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, rip currents have caused the highest number of weather-related fatalities in the Carolinas since 2000, accounting for nearly 200 deaths.

A rip current is a powerful, narrow channel of water that moves away from the shore, often pulling swimmers out to sea.

Drownings typically occur when people attempt to swim directly against the current, rather than parallel to shore to escape it.

Sam Proffitt, ocean rescue director at Wrightsville Beach, said rescues are a frequent occurrence during the busy season.

“We have on average anywhere between 300 to 400 rescues a season, and a season for us is roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day,” Proffitt said. “It is something that occurs very often. But beachgoers need to understand, while this beach is guarded Memorial Day through Labor Day, the rest of the year it is not.”

Proffitt added that visitors need to pay attention to the colored flag system used at beaches to indicate water conditions. Green flags signal low hazard, yellow flags indicate moderate risk, and red flags warn of high danger. When red flags are flying, entering the water is prohibited.

And Proffitt said that lifeguards are not currently on duty at Wrightsville Beach ahead of Memorial Day weekend, so swimmers are advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant for changing ocean conditions when entering the water.