Hurricane Erin Bringing Dangerous Rip Currents to East Coast

Rip currents are the leading cause of death among beach swimmers every year

Hurricane Erin is not expected to make a direct hit on the United States but will cause life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents along the entire East Coast from Florida to New England and North Carolina’s Outer Banks will see tropical storm conditions and flooding.

The National Hurricane Center urges beachgoers to listen to local officials and lifeguards. Multiple beach towns have already banned swimming and evacuations are underway across the Outer Banks. Already a massive storm with sustained 110 mph winds, Erin is forecast to get even bigger with its effects being felt farther away from the actual storm.

RIP CURRENTS CAN BE DEADLY Before Erin reared her ugly head, conditions were ripe for rip currents. Last week lifeguards in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire made 144 rescues over six days. In Wrightsville, North Carolina, there were 70 rip current rescues on Monday.

Rip currents are the leading cause of death among beach swimmers every year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These currents of fast-moving water move away from the shore and can drag swimmers out into open waters. They are particularly dangerous for weak or non-swimmers, but a strong rip current is a hazard for even experienced swimmers. Learn more about rip currents in this Red Cross video.

If you are heading to the shore this week, follow these rip current safety tips:

• Keep Clear. Swim at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties which often have permanent rip currents. A break or gap in waves, churned up sand and clusters of seaweed being pulled out to sea can also signal a rip current.
• Stay Calm. If you are caught in a rip current, keep calm – you’ll think more clearly.
• Don’t Fight It. Don’t try to swim against the current. Swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current. Then swim at an angle away from the current toward the shore.
• Ride It. If you can’t swim out of the current, float or calmly tread water. When you float out of the current, swim toward the shore.
• Make Waves. If you are still unable to reach the shore, draw attention to yourself by waving an arm and yelling for help.
• Help, Don’t Hinder. If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1. Throw the victim something that floats – a lifejacket, cooler or an inflatable ball. Yell instructions on how to escape the current. Don’t try to swim out to help them -- many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.
  
  

BEACH SAFETY

• Only swim at beaches with lifeguards, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards and ask them about local conditions.
• Watch the weather and get out of the water at the first sign of lightning or the rumble of thunder. Stay indoors and away from water for 30 minutes after the last lightning flashes or thunder roars.
• Always designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over
• Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
• Protect your neck – don’t dive in headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters. Watch out for and avoid aquatic life.
• Swim Smart. Remember to avoid stormy seas, always swim sober, never swim alone. Even confident swimmers should be sure they have enough energy to swim back to shore.

DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open disaster service locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.