Stay Safe In The Water This Holiday Weekend - Watch Out For Rip Currents

Photo: "Kure Beach" by Kelly Lawso

The water off the Pleasure Island coast is beautiful, fun, and refreshing, but it can also be dangerous. Rip currents, or strong channels of water flowing away from the shore, are common along the beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher.

To increase your safety this Memorial Day weekend, or any time you are enjoying the ocean here are a few tips:

• Swim near the lifeguard stands. Lifeguards are on duty from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm seven days a week during the season.
• Pay attention to the flags posted on the lifeguard stands which indicate surf conditions. Green = safe swimming conditions, Yellow = moderate to rough surf, caution is advised, Red = surf conditions are dangerous and swimming is prohibited.
• If caught in a rip current don't panic or attempt to swim against the current. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Learn more from the Town of Carolina Beach Lifeguards.
• Keep a close eye on children playing in the water. Communicate with other adults in your party so everyone is aware of who is watching any children.

Stay safe and have fun!