Wrightsville Beach reports high number of rip current rescues for the start of the season

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue team said they have responded to more rip currents rescues than normal for this time of year. 

Ocean Rescue Director Sam Proffitt said the agency has performed about 50 rescues since Memorial Day weekend. 

"This has been a busy start of the summer. Probably one of the busiest starts," Proffitt said. "Typically we see this as we go into August when we're starting the get hurricane swell."

Two swimmers have gone missing in southeastern North Carolina so far due to rip currents. One disappeared off the coast of North Topsail Beach, and the other went missing on Figure Eight Island. 

It is important to be prepared before going into the ocean. Rip currents are the number one weather-related reasons for death in the Coastal Carolinas, knowing how to spot one can be the difference between life and death.

Remember to check the status of the water when entering beach areas. Check beach warning flags and tide times. Look at the wave patterns and never swim alone.