Experts warn of water safety along the NC coast for July 4th

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — While many people are excited about celebrating the Fourth of July next week along the coast of North Carolina, experts want to warn beachgoers to take necessary safety measures.

It’s important to practice water safety now more than ever with rip currents occurring as frequently as 10 times a day.

“Yet, what can become very frightening is as that tide change is … if they stay out too long, it can be difficult to come back to shore,” said Injury Prevention Coordinator for ECU Health, Ellen Walston. “So again, just paying attention to your surroundings, having fun, swimming with a buddy and making sure that supervision is occurring at all times.”

Walston added that while it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, it’s also important to keep your body in check by practicing hydration while on the beach under extreme temperatures.

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