Strong rip currents keep rescue teams busy

PENDER COUNTY — Strong rip currents this week are keeping rescue teams busy.

Jennifer Church from Pender County EMS Ocean Rescue says the majority of calls have been rip current-related.

Church reminds swimmers to always swim with someone, especially when the rip current risk is high. If you do get caught swim parallel to shore.

Church said, “Most people’s tendency is to swim against the rip current, try and get straight back to the beach and it’s not going to work. They’re not going to swim hard enough, they’re going to get tired and that’s when people start drowning.”

Rip currents tend to be the worst at low tide.

Strong rips are expected to last into this weekend.