Beach Hazards Statement: Life-Threatening Rip Currents Hit North Carolina's Outer Banks

The National Weather Service has issued an active Beach Hazards Statement along the North Carolina coastline — covering the northern Outer Banks, Hatteras Island and beaches from Duck to Cape Lookout — warning of life-threatening rip currents and powerful surf conditions driven by a lingering offshore storm system generating long-period swells.

"Life-threatening rip currents are expected, and entering the surf is highly discouraged until the energetic swells subside," the NWS stated.

The hazardous conditions are most dangerous during the two hours on either side of low tide. Even strong, experienced swimmers are at serious risk.

Rip currents are the leading cause of swimmer fatalities in the United States, accounting for more than 100 deaths annually. They can pull a swimmer 100 yards or more from shore within seconds and cannot be detected by looking at the water from the beach. The US Coast Guard is monitoring conditions and is on standby for search and rescue operations.

If you are caught in a rip current: do not fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim diagonally back to the beach. If you cannot escape, float, stay calm and wave for help.

Anyone planning to visit North Carolina's Outer Banks or Hatteras Island should monitor local NWS forecasts at weather.gov before entering the water.