High rip current risk at Suffolk County Beaches
The Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management has issued a high rip current risk through Saturday evening for both southwest and southeast Suffolk County. Officials are urging everyone to stay out of the surf until conditions improve.
Rip currents have already led to numerous rescues across Long Island. On Friday, lifeguards rescued 46 people at Smith Point Beach and about 35 more at Robert Moses State Park. As of 3:00 p.m. today, Smith Point lifeguards have rescued another 20 people.
Lifeguards remind everyone that if you are caught in a rip current, do not panic. Stay calm and swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current, then swim back to shore. Always swim in areas protected by lifeguards and between the green flags. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay in shallow water where your feet can touch the sand. Following these simple safety tips can help prevent a dangerous situation.
Remember, always swim near a lifeguard!
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