Some of South Carolina's most dangerous weather doesn't happen in the sky — it happens in the water. The National Weather Service says rip currents are the leading weather-related killer along the Carolina coast, and the danger is often highest when beachgoers feel least at risk.
A rip current can form in a spot that looks inviting. The weather service says they’re often found where waves are not breaking. The water may look darker, or you may see a line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving away from shore. They're also more common near low tide, and near jetties or piers. Meteorologist Leslie Hudson has some important tips. Click the Youtube short below:
So the advice isn't just to watch the surf…it's to check the beach forecast before you go, swim at a lifeguarded beach, heed flags, and if you’re caught in a rip — don’t fight it. swim parallel to shore, or float and signal for help.
As summer break gets underway and thousands head to the South Carolina coast, Isle of Palms police are warning beachgoers about the dangers of rip currents after seeing an uptick in beach-related calls this week.
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And while thunderstorms often get the attention, rip currents remain the deadliest weather threat along the Carolina coast. The National Weather Service says nearly 200 people have drowned in rip currents in North and South Carolina since 2000 — about eight lives each year. That's why experts say one of the most important beach forecasts isn't for the sky — it's for the water.