Red flags likely to stay out in Emerald Isle as strong rip currents come through

EMERALD ISLE, N.C. (WNCT) — If you are heading to the coast this weekend, officials are warning you not to go swimming in the ocean as rip currents are supposed to be strong with Ernesto out in the Atlantic.

Red flags are out and it’s likely going to stay that way for the rest of the weekend. Emerald Isle Fire says even when storms are thousands of miles off the shore, the bring in heavy water volume. The water gets trapped between the shoreline and sandbars, making rip currents more dangerous.

Heavy winds on Sunday are also going to make the water more unpredictable. Emerald Isle has a limited number of lifeguards right now, so they’re saying to stay out of the water when red flags are flying.

“Number one thing is to not get in the water. Don’t don’t tempt fate. When these red flags are out, emergency services will go out there into the Water. We really don’t want to. We want to educate people and keep them safe from the get go,” said Chief William Matthias with the Emerald Isle Fire Department.

If you do get stuck in a rip current, you are encouraged to try to float and wait for help rather than trying to swim parallel to the shore.

You can also check out the beach conditions before you go by heading to Emerald Isle’s website and Facebook.

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