Officials warn about dangers of inlet currents after four people were rescued

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — After four people were swept thousands of feet offshore last week in Holden Beach, officials are warning about the dangers of inlet currents. 

“I’ll tell you, it’s extremely strong and can move you very long distances,” Terry Hoben with Oak Island Water Rescue said. Hoben notes inlet currents are similar to rip currents—a strong pull of water that can pull people out to sea. 

Inlets can amplify that movement of water, making them even stronger. 

Hoben says while water along those inlets can appear calm, looks can be deceiving.

“People like to hang out at the point. It’s a beautiful area to be, they like to soak and be in the shallows,” Hoben explained. “Very quickly you could be pulled by that current, even from waist height, and before you know it, you’ll be thousands of feet offshore.” 

Almost none of the people we asked on the beach had even heard of an inlet current. 

“Not necessarily. I think I know what it is,” one visitor said, adding that he pays more attention when swimming near the inlet. 

“Sometimes we take our little ones to the inlet and hang out in the little beach area there, and it gets pretty rough,” he said. 

Hoben says if you find yourself in an inlet current, don’t try to fight it. 

“Unfortunately, you don’t know which way that tide current is going for any particular day,” he explained. “The best practice is to try and remain calm, float, and then get your strength and swim parallel to the beach until you get out of that current.” 

Hoben adds it’s also important to keep track of the flag colors on the beach. 

Green means there is a low surf risk, but you should still use precaution. Yellow means there’s a moderate risk, and red means you should stay out of the water if you can.