The threat for rip currents has made for dangerous swimming conditions at many North Carolina beaches this week.

That danger continues along parts of the coast Thursday.

What You Need To Know

  • There's a high risk for rip currents Thursday at Brunswick County's beaches

  • Rip currents can pull even experienced swimmers away from shore

  • Rip currents occur most frequently within a couple hours of low tide

The highest risk for rip currents is expected at Brunswick County's beaches, including Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle, Holden Beach and Oak Island.

There's a moderate threat along much of the rest of the coast.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water than can pull even experienced swimmers away from shore.

If you get caught in a rip current, lifeguards recommend swimming in a direction parallel to the shore. Do not swim against the current. Once free of the rip current, swim back to shore at an angle.