Lifeguards talk ocean safety as swell builds from tropical systems

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — School may be back in session, but summer is not over yet for many.

While it was busy weekend at area beaches, Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue crews were also busy this weekend saving people from rip currents.

With tropical systems offshore, there is an increase in surf and rip current risks across Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties beaches.

WRBO Lieutenant John Scull says it’s important to pay attention to the lifeguards on duty.

He says keep an eye on the colored signal flags from each lifeguard stand which indicates the water conditions observed.

“We made 25 rescues alone Saturday and they were all rip current related so here in Wrightsville Beach we have a severe rip current threat any time we get surf in the area,” Scull said. “So with the tropical systems offshore, we have seen an increase in surf and going into the week, we will see more surf.”

Remember, at the beach you should always try to swim near lifeguards. If you get stuck in a rip current, you should swim parallel to shore until you escape the current’s pull, then you can swim toward shore.