Even though Hurricane Erin is still spinning hundreds of miles out in the Atlantic, its power is already being felt along the East Coast — especially in the water.
Lifeguards in North Carolina reported rescuing about 60 people from rip currents at Wrightsville Beach in just one day. The situation got so serious that officials issued a no-swim order through the rest of the week. In South Carolina, another swimmer had to be pulled to safety, and at least a dozen rip currents were reported along beaches in South Carolina and Georgia, according to the National Weather Service.
The danger isn’t limited to the Carolinas. Rough surf and rip currents are threatening nearly the entire East Coast — from Florida all the way up to Massachusetts. Some beaches are completely closed to swimmers, while others, like in Atlantic City, are only allowing people to wade in up to their knees.
“Even though the skies might look clear and calm, the ocean is hiding some serious risks right now,” said Mike Brennan, Director of the National Hurricane Center. “Rip currents can sneak up on anyone — even strong swimmers.”
AccuWeather hurricane expert Alex DaSilva put it bluntly: “The force of the rip currents and rough surf this week is life-threatening.”
Why rip currents are so dangerous
Rip currents are fast-moving streams of water that rush away from the shoreline. They don’t pull swimmers under, but they can quickly drag someone far from shore, often before they even realize what’s happening. The instinct to fight against the current and swim straight back can lead to exhaustion and panic — two of the biggest factors in drownings.
Since 2010, more than 800 people in the U.S. have died from rip current-related drownings, according to NOAA. By late July of this year, at least 52 people had already died from surf-zone incidents, with nearly half linked to rip currents.
How to stay safe
- Always check for posted warnings before getting in the water.
- Swim only near lifeguards.
- If you’re caught in a rip current, don’t panic. Let it carry you out — it won’t pull you under. Swim parallel to the shore until you’re free from the current, then angle back toward land.
- If you see someone else in trouble, don’t go in after them. Instead, get a lifeguard or call 911. If possible, toss them something that floats until help arrives.
For now, beach officials across the East Coast are asking people to enjoy the sand but stay cautious around the surf. Hurricane Erin may be far offshore, but its power is still reaching the beaches — and lifeguards are hoping people take the warnings seriously before heading into the waves. Photo by NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Wikimedia commons.
