Beachgoers must be aware of the potential for dangerous rip currents. Rip currents are powerful, chnneled currents of water flowing away from shore. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves. The United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) estimates that the annual number of deaths due to rip currents on our nation's beaches exceeds 100. Lifeguards protecting the ocean beaches of the U.S. rescue 60,000 swimmers annually, and rip currents account for over 80% of these rescues.

The National Weather Service issues a Surf Zone Forecast that includes the rip current risk for area beaches. The Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue Squad flies colored signal flags from each lifeguard stand indicating the water conditions observed in the area.

Green Flag	Low hazard. Conditions are calm. Normal care and caution should be exercised.
Yellow Flag	Medium hazard. Moderate surf and/or currents are present. Weak swimmers are discouraged from entering the water. For others, enhanced care and caution should be exercised.
Red Flag	High hazard. Rough conditions such as strong surf and/or currents are present. All swimmers are discouraged from entering the water. Those entering the water should take great care.
Double Red	Water is closed to public use.

One of the most effective precautions that beachgoers can take is swim at a beach protected by lifeguards. Statistics show that the chance of drowning at a beach protected by USLA affiliated lifeguards is 1 in 18 million. The Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue Squad is a USLA certified agency. Please discuss any questions concerning water safety or surf conditions with an Ocean Rescue lifeguard.

For detailed information on identifying rip currents, escaping rip currents and helping others caught in rip currents, please visit the following link:

http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/