Charleston, SC, September 2, 2025
News Summary
A rip current warning is in effect for coastal regions of Colleton, Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston counties due to Hurricane Erin, raising significant safety concerns for beachgoers. Authorities urge swimmers to stay informed about rip currents, which can reach dangerous speeds. Beach safety experts advise remaining calm, swimming parallel to the shore, and signaling for help if caught in a rip current. Safety officials emphasize swimming near lifeguards and checking local advisories as the risk of rip currents is expected to remain elevated throughout the week.
Charleston, SC – A rip current warning is now in effect for the coastal regions of Colleton, Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston counties until 8 p.m. today, as authorities respond to dangers posed by Hurricane Erin. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued these warnings due to the anticipated creation of dangerous rip currents and elevated surf conditions.
Rip currents are swift channels of water that flow away from the shoreline, posing significant risks to swimmers and beachgoers. It is crucial that individuals visiting the beach know how to respond if caught in one of these currents. Beach safety experts recommend that, in the event of being caught in a rip current, swimmers should remain calm—these currents do not pull swimmers underwater. Instead of trying to swim directly against the current, it is advised to swim parallel to the shore until free from the current’s pull. If reaching the shore becomes impossible, individuals should float on their backs, face the shore, and signal for help.
To enhance safety, beachgoers are advised to swim at locations where lifeguards are present. Lifeguards can quickly assist during emergencies, potentially saving lives. Swimmers are also reminded to avoid swimming alone, particularly at beaches that lack lifeguard supervision; bringing a friend is recommended, and it’s prudent for each person to carry a cell phone for emergencies.
The risk of rip currents is expected to stay elevated throughout the week as Hurricane Erin continues to affect coastal conditions. Safety officials are urging swimmers to check local flag warnings and surf advisories and to remain within designated swimming areas to help prevent accidents.
Heavy surf conditions have already led to no-swim orders at several beaches, including Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina, where emergency responders have conducted over 60 rescues recently. According to NWS reports, rip currents can reach speeds of up to eight feet per second and may form or dissipate at any time based on tidal changes.
Statistics reflect the severe risks associated with rip currents. Since 2010, over 800 individuals have lost their lives due to these currents in the United States, with approximately 86% of fatalities comprising males. In striking contrast, 90% of the deaths recorded in 2025 alone involved men. The data indicates that while experienced surfers may feel capable of managing rip currents, newcomers or less experienced swimmers are encouraged to avoid swimming altogether under these dangerous conditions.
Authorities emphasize that beachgoers should stay vigilant, prioritize personal safety, and remain informed about changing surf conditions to enjoy the beach responsibly and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rip current?
A rip current is a strong, narrow channel of water that flows from the shore out to sea. They can pose significant dangers to swimmers and are common in surfing areas.
How should I respond if caught in a rip current?
Stay calm and do not swim against the current. Swim parallel to the shore until free from the current’s pull. If unable to reach the shore, float on your back, face the shore, and signal for help.
Are there safety measures I can take while swimming?
Always swim at beaches with lifeguards, avoid swimming alone, and check local advisories before swimming.
Key Features of Rip Currents
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Speed | Rip currents can reach speeds of up to 8 ft/s. |
| Fatalities | Over 800 deaths since 2010, 86% of which are males. |
| No-swim orders | Issued in some regions like Wrightsville Beach due to dangerous conditions. |
| Safety Tips | Swim near lifeguards, signal for help if in trouble, avoid swimming alone. |
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Rip Current
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Search: Rip Currents
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: Rip Currents
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rip Current
- Herald Online
- Google News: Hurricane Erin
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
