Despite being hundreds of miles from shore, Hurricane Danielle will bring high surf and dangerous rip currents along the east coast this weekend.
Hurricane Danielle is currently a Category Four storm with winds of 135 mph. She is projected to travel well east of Bermuda and not make landfall in the US. Forecasters are predicting dangerous waves and rip tides all along the coast over the next several days.
If you’re planning a trip to an east coast beach this weekend, please brush up on these tips:
- Be aware of how dangerous rip currents are.
- Swim only at beaches with lifeguards in the designated swimming area.
- If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm and don’t fight the current.
- Swim parallel to shore until free of the current.
- Once free, turn and swim toward shore.
- If you feel that you won’t make it in to the shore, draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help.
- If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1. Throw the swimmer something that floats – a lifejacket, cooler, inflatable ball, and yell instructions on how to escape the current.
- When at the beach, check conditions before you enter the water. Check to see if any warning flags are up or ask a lifeguard about water conditions, beach conditions, or any potential hazards.
For more information on Rip Currents, please visit NOAA and United States Lifesaving Association.