Virginia Beach Faces High Rip Current Risks This Weekend
Virginia Beach, Va. — If you’re planning a day at the beach this weekend, it’s time to pay attention! Capt. Andy Bedinger of the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service recently shared that while the summer season has been mostly calm with rip currents, that could all change due to severe weather expected to roll in this weekend. With the shifting sands and unpredictable conditions, there’s a good chance lifeguards will face their biggest challenge yet.
Sandy Surprises Ahead
As Capt. Bedinger puts it, “Sand has really been on the move for the last couple of days, so things have been unpredictable.” The changing sands can lead to unpredictable rip currents that swimmers may not see coming. On Friday afternoon, just before the weekend rush, lifeguards at Virginia Beach responded to a water rescue near 24th Street due to rip currents. With more people flocking to the beach, it’s likely that emergencies may spike throughout the weekend.
Rip currents are no small matter; they account for about 25 percent of all water rescues made by lifeguards. Capt. Bedinger observed, “Our surf tends to be pretty small most days, and most people can keep themselves out of trouble until they find themselves in a rip current.” This highlights the importance of staying alert and aware, especially in changing conditions.
What to Expect with the Flags
As beachgoers head out this weekend, they’ll notice single red flags flying at lifeguard stations across Virginia Beach. These flags indicate a high risk of rip currents, meaning it’s not a great day for swimming. Lifeguards are making every effort to keep everyone safe, but it’s essential for swimmers and beachgoers to heed their warnings.
Shifting gears to the Outer Banks, the news is similar; red flags will be up from the beaches of Duck all the way down to Ocracoke Island signaling the same high rip current risks. So if you had plans for a beach-side getaway, be sure to rethink your swim plans. It’s always better to play it safe!
Stay Informed and Safe
The unpredictability of the ocean is part of its charm, but it’s essential now, more than ever, to stay aware and informed about conditions. Weather forecasts can change on a dime, and so can ocean currents. If you plan to hit the waves, be sure to check in with lifeguards and follow their recommendations to keep yourself out of harm’s way.
It’s a painful reality that in our eager excitement for summer fun, swimming can turn dangerous in just a moment. So while beach making your sandcastle dreams come true, remain vigilant, keep an eye on the ocean, and know your limits.
In Conclusion
This weekend in Virginia Beach might be beautiful beach weather, but with the anticipated severe weather ahead, it could also be quite risky. Stay smart, stay informed, and enjoy all the fun the beach has to offer, just remember to respect the power of the ocean.
Here’s to a safe and happy summer season in Virginia Beach. Stay safe out there!
