GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)- Georgetown County government returned to normal operating conditions, also known as Operating Condition (OPCON) 5, Sunday morning as the tropical storm warning was lifted.

The county’s Emergency Management Division, in conjunction with S.C. Emergency Management and the National Weather Service, will continue to monitor the storm.

Georgetown County moved to OPCON 4, an “alert” status indicating preparation for a potential threat on May 8, but its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was not activated.

The first named storm of 2015, Ana is forecast to continue dropping rain on Georgetown County and other parts of South Carolina throughout Sunday. Gusty wind and rough surf are also predicted. Red flags have been posted at county beaches warning of a high likelihood of rip currents. People are advised to stay out the ocean and be on the lookout for signs that rip currents may be present. Be aware that public beaches in Georgetown County do not have lifeguards.

How to spot a rip current:

Though rip currents are often not readily or easily identifiable to the average beachgoer, the following may indicate the presence of rip currents:

· A channel of churning, choppy water

· An area having a notable difference in water color

· A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving steadily seaward

· A break in the incoming wave pattern

· Tip: Polarized sunglasses make it easier to see the rip current clues provided above.

If caught in a rip current:

· Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.

· Never swim against the rip current. Stay afloat and signal for help: face the shore, wave your arms, and shout for help.

· Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle – away from the current – toward shore.

· If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water.

If you see someone in trouble, don’t become a victim too:·

· Get help from a lifeguard, or if one is unavailable, have someone dial 911.

· Throw the rip current victim something that floats – a life jacket, a cooler or an inflatable ball.

· Shout instructions on how to escape.