MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW)- Dangerous rip currents were hitting the beach on Monday and the National Weather service issued a beach hazard until 9 p.m.
As of Monday afternoon, beach safety told News 13 they had 6 rescues. Life guards rushed to save a little girl and a family member who got pulled too far out in the water on Monday. No one was hurt, but with dangerous long shore currents you can get pulled away in an instant.
“If we have a rip current it can happen very quickly and you not realize what’s happening. If that does happen and you get pulled in stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until you can get out of the current,” said Lt. Jonathan Evans with Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue.
Gusts of wind from the north to south is causing longshore currents to move parallel to the cost which can make it more difficult to swim back to shore.
“The wind I see is picking up. The wind is picking up. Yesterday evening it got a little scary when those riptides were getting high. They were pushing everything towards this way so you could feel it,” said beach goer Ashley Eidenier.
The National Weather Service said longshore currents are strong enough to sweep swimmers off their feet and be taken into rip currents, jetties, piers and other hazardous areas. That’s why Katie Troxell keeps her kids close.
“Definitely keep an eye on her. The little one isn’t big enough to go in yet, but definitely keep two hands on her and just make sure she doesn’t go out of my sight,” said Troxell.
Lifeguards were walking along the shore to make sure people stay waist deep. The number one thing to remember if you get pulled in is don’t panic.
“If you try to fight it you can get tired and get yourself in even more trouble,” said Lt. Evans.
