Most of the North Carolina coast is flying red flags, warning swimmers of the high risk for life-threatening rip currents this holiday weekend. 

What You Need To Know

  • Red flags are flying from Duck to Wilmington

  • Seventy rip current rescues were reported on July Fourth

  • If you get caught in a rip current, stay calm and swim parallel to shore until you are free

The National Weather Service says there were 70 rescues in New Hanover County on the Fourth of July holiday alone, with 35 rescues reported at Wrightsville Beach and 35 reported at Carolina Beach.

Beachgoers get a break from the heat at Wrightsville Beach despite the red flags. (Spectrum News 1/Natalie Mooney)

Although many beachgoers will be hoping to beat the heat at the beach, it’s best to stay out of the water when red flags are flying, or at the very least, use extreme caution.

Any level of swimmer can get caught in a rip current unexpectedly. 

That’s why it’s important to swim near a lifeguard and to pay attention to the flags.

A red flag indicates a high risk; yellow stands for medium hazard and green low. A double red flag means the beach is closed to the public. 

If you find yourself caught in a rip current, call for help, stay calm, and swim parallel to the shore and back to the beach when possible.

(Spectrum News 1)