Over the Labor Day weekend, Tybee Island, Georgia, has experienced busy activity, prompting officials to warn about the hazardous water conditions caused by wind and waves.
Lifeguards warn swimmers to take extra care, signaling swimmers to be aware of strong currents.
On Monday, many at the beach observed strong winds whipping up white-capped waves. Although the waves are visually striking, they pose risks such as dangerous rip currents. Authorities are urging beach visitors to stay vigilant in these rough surf conditions. Labor Day is notably one of the year’s busiest and most perilous beach times.
The U.S. Lifesaving Association notes that over 80% of beach rescues nationwide are due to rip currents, with incidents rising over holiday weekends. Lifeguards have issued a red flag warning for Monday, and Tybee officials have mentioned the potential escalation to a double red flag, limiting water access to just knee-deep areas.
Tybee Island Lifeguards Supervisor Jackson Vrisco explains, “Flags range from green and yellow to red and double red. A double red warns beachgoers not to venture past knee depth. Currently, with a red flag, we’re keeping everyone aware of the dangers and monitoring the number of rip currents, deciding if a shift to double red is necessary.”
Tybee Island mayor Brian West wants swimmers to know what to do in case they find themselves stuck in a rip current.
“We always advise that if you’re caught in a rip current, remain calm, let it carry you, and swim back once it releases you.”
Visitors are encouraged to check beach flag warnings whenever they spend time on the beach and swim near lifeguard towers.
