Carolina Beach lifeguard shares warning about rip currents and high temperatures

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Many people are choosing to head down to the beach this summer, but low tides and high temperatures are causing safety issues for many beachgoers.

On Saturday, lifeguards at Carolina Beach performed over 40 rip current rescues. Jaxon Hudson, head lifeguard at Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue, said rip currents are always something swimmers should be aware of.

“Rip currents have been pulling very strong here recently with low tide being in the middle of the day. Rip currents, that’s whenever they start to really pull it during low tide. So we just ask that everybody kind of stays closer to shore, ask a local lifeguard where is a good place to swim and just kind of learn about the rip current safety before you go and get in the water,” said Hudson.

However, rip currents are not the only thing to be aware of when spending time outside this summer.

Hudson also advises that people stay in the shade when they are not swimming in the water. High temperatures can create health problems such as heat exhaustion.

“If you’re coming out here to the beach in the next couple days, we highly advise you drink plenty of water and start hydrating a couple of days before you come out here. The water does not immediately go into your system it takes about 24 hours for you to actually start to get hydrated,” Hudson adds.

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