WILMINGTON (AP) ó The National Weather Service has issued a rip current warning for the North Carolina and Virginia coasts.
The weather service and the Coast Guard said Tuesday the risk of rip currents will continue throughout the week as Tropical Storm Hanna approaches. Lifeguards helped more than 40 people from the surf at Wrightsville and Carolina beaches, according to the Star-News.
The United States Lifesaving Association says rip currents can drag swimmers away from the beach. The deadly currents cause approximately 100 deaths annually in the United States. Over 18,000 lifeguard rescues a year are the result of rip currents.