Beach warning flags at Outer Banks reminding visitors about rip currents.
Beachgoers on the Outer Banks are urged to exercise caution as the National Weather Service has issued rip current warnings due to Hurricane Ernesto. The alert is in effect until 8 p.m. for the Northern Outer Banks and Hatteras Island. The dangerous beach conditions are expected to escalate, prompting authorities to prohibit swimming in certain areas. Safety measures are emphasized to prevent drownings, as rip currents have already claimed lives this year. Enjoying the beach responsibly is now more crucial than ever.
Greetings from the beautiful shores of the Outer Banks! While the beach might seem like the perfect spot for fun in the sun, we have some important news that beach lovers need to pay close attention to. Early Saturday morning, the National Weather Service made an announcement that should have everyone rethinking their plans to hit the water. Starting at 4:06 a.m., they issued a beach hazards statement, which is currently in effect until 8 p.m. for both Northern Outer Banks and Hatteras Island.
Unfortunately, with Hurricane Ernesto making waves well off the coast, it’s causing hazardous beach conditions. The NWS has made it crystal clear that rip currents are a serious concern. These powerful and fast-moving currents can easily sweep away even the strongest swimmers, pulling them into deeper waters. So, if you were planning to swim, now is a good time to reconsider.
If you’re caught in a rip current, it’s important to stay calm. Swimming parallel to the shoreline is your best bet at escaping its grip. In case you find yourself totally exhausted, make sure to float or tread water until you’re clear of the current. If the current is too strong and you’re unable to break free, remember to face the shore and signal for help by waving your arms or calling out. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Why is this such a big deal? Well, when people are dragged into the ocean by rip currents, panic sets in, and it can be a dangerous situation. Drowning deaths have often occurred because individuals are unable to float or make it back to shore due to fear, exhaustion, or simply lack of swimming skills. Sadly, we’ve already reported 30 fatalities this year related to rip currents, half of which have occurred along the U.S. East Coast. Just recently, an 18-year-old lost their life in Nags Head due to these treacherous conditions.
As of now, Ernesto remains well east of North Carolina. However, we are still expecting some dangerous conditions to arise due to a combination of strong storm swells and higher tide levels beginning Friday. The NWS has issued a high risk warning for rip currents all along the North Carolina coast, as well as potential ocean overwash flooding specifically along the Outer Banks. The threat from rip currents is expected to intensify, particularly from Friday morning continuing into early next week.
In response to these risks, beaches in areas like Kitty Hawk have raised double red flags, marking swimming as prohibited. Make sure to follow this rule, as violators could face a hefty fine of $250. If you’re planning to hang out on the beach, those with flotation devices such as surfboards are allowed in the water, but swimming is out of the question for everyone else.
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