Wrightsville Beach NC Homepage

Rip Current Safety

About Rip Currents

Beachgoers must be aware of the potential for dangerous rip currents. Rip currents are powerful, channeled 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 deaths. Lifeguards protecting the ocean beaches of the U.S. rescue 60,000 swimmers annually, and rip currents account for over 80% of these rescues.

Color-coded Signal Flags

The National Weather Service issues a Surf Zone Forecast that includes the rip current risk for area beaches. Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue will fly colored signal flags from lifeguard stands indicating if there are any water hazards observed in the area.

Flag ColorHazard TypeDescription of Conditions
Yellow FlagMedium 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 FlagHigh 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. Wind and/or wave conditions are expected to support the development of very strong rip currents. This category implies that water conditions are life threatening to all people who enter the surf. There may be a high number of rescues on red flag days.
Quartered Black and White FlagN/A
These flags will be used in pairs to indicate the boundaries of a designated area where surfboards are prohibited.

Exercise Caution

Regardless of the color of the signal flags displayed, hazards may be present in the ocean at any time. Rip currents can form suddenly and other dangerous conditions could exist. Anyone entering the water must understand their personal abilities and limitations, and they must constantly assess the existing conditions. Underestimating the potential hazards associated with the ocean can be risky. If in doubt, don't go out.  And remember: Always Swim Near a Lifeguard!

For detailed information on identifying rip currents, escaping rip currents and helping others caught in rip currents, please visit the National Weather Service's Rip Current Awareness information page.

  1. Wrightsville Beach NC Homepage

Contact Us

  1. 321 Causeway Drive
    PO Box 626
    Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480


    Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

  1. Phone: 910-256-7900
    Fax: 910-256-7910

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