Man and Boy Die After Atlantic Beach Rescue
Two more NC rip current drownings north of our area. Rip currents are more commonly found adjacent to piers and these drownings occurred two hours after low tide. Rip currents are more common a few hours before and after low tide. Sadly, this fits the somewhat predictable pattern of rip current drownings.
In this case, it was reported that red flags were up, warning about the dangers of swimming.
If you are going to the beach, check the local rip current forecast and stay out of the water if there’s an elevated risk. Also read up on rip currents to learn when they are most common, how to recognize them, and how to escape if caught in one.
Here on Oak Island, we heard a first person account of a rip current rescue last week. A parent observed their older child being pulled out by a rip current. The parent (a self reported strong swimmer) made a swimming rescue. The parent said they were completely exhausted upon returning to shore with their child.
All rescue agencies recommend not attempting a swimming rescue unless you have been trained to do so and have the appropriate rescue equipment. There are many examples of untrained rescuers drowning during rescue attempts.
