News

Actions

Dangerous surf conditions prompt red flag warnings

Posted at 6:41 PM, Jun 02, 2014
and last updated 2014-06-03 06:37:07-04

Virginia Beach, Va. (WTKR)- Dangerous surf conditions Monday prompted red flag warnings in several coastal communities.

"Today is a heavy rip current day – a heavy risk up and down the beach," explained 1st. Lt. Lee Throckmorton with the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service.

The conditions prompted red flags to go up on beaches in both Virginia and North Carolina, telling folks to stay out of the water.

The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement for Monday that included  Virginia Beach, Currituck and the Outer Banks because of the high threat for rip currents.

"Swimmers, even accomplished swimmers, might not even be aware that they are in a rip current. They find themselves being pulled out past the break away from shore," Throckmorton told NewsChannel 3's Todd Corillo.

The Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service reports they had to help rescue a couple of people Monday who got caught in a rip current, but all ended up being okay.