Hurricane Chris is accelerating away from the North Carolina coast Wednesday, but the threat for rip currents is still high for at least some of the state's beaches.

  • Hurricane is now moving away from North Carolina.
  • Rip current threat is highest at the Outer Banks.
  • Numerous rescues have been made this week.

The highest risk for rip currents Wednesday will come at the Outer Banks. A moderate risk is forecast for the rest of the state's beaches.

Lifeguards have reported numerous rip current rescues over the last several days due to the rough surf created by Chris. Rip currents are powerful channels of water that can pull even experienced swimmers away from shore.

If you are every caught in a rip current, life guards recommend that you stay calm and yell for help. To attempt to break free from the rip current, swim parallel to the shore. Once you're out of the rip current, swim back toward shore at an angle away from the rip current.