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Rip currents keep beach goers close to shore
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| Red flags, such as this one posted Monday at Atlantic Beach, warned tourists and county residents to stay out of the high surf kicked up by Tropical Storm Hannah on Labor Day. (Cheryl Burke photo) |
NEWS-TIMES
BY CHERYL BURKE
ATLANTIC BEACH — While people packed county beaches on Labor Day Monday, high waves and rip currents kept most close to shore. The only exception was surfers who took advantage of 6- to 8-foot swells kicked up by Tropical Storm Hannah.
With early effects from Hannah causing dangerous surf and rip currents, red flags were posted at the protected swimming area on Atlantic Beach, where lifeguards were busy watching for those who ventured out too far.
Atlantic Beach lifeguard Mark Carll of Havelock rescued a woman on a boogie board who was being pulled out by a rip current. Susan Youngman of Hamilton said she didn’t realize she was being pulled out.
“I was enjoying it. I didn’t realize I was in trouble,” she said after being towed through the surf by Mr. Carll, who used a surfboard to bring her in.
Mrs. Youngman’s husband, Tommy, who was on shore, realized what was happening but couldn’t get his wife’s attention.
“I used to be a lifeguard and saw what was happening. I was following her (on shore),” he said after helping Mr. Carll bring her out of the rough surf.
With Monday being the last day lifeguards are on duty for the season, Mr. Carll advised people to stay out of the ocean until the storm passes. For those who insist on going in, don’t go past your knees, he said.
“If you come out, use extreme caution. The ocean can be unforgiving,” said Mr. Carll. “Don’t overestimate your abilities in the ocean. I would say just stay out.”
Although lifeguards will no longer be posted, Mr. Carll said those in trouble can call the beach fire departments for assistance.
No lifeguards were posted at Fort Macon State Park’s beach access on Monday, but park rangers kept close eyes on the crowds that filled the beach. Several surfers were enjoying the high waves and also helped keep an eye on those daring to play in the surf.
“It’s good for surfers, but the undertows are really bad,” said Danny Meyers of Beaufort, who had been surfing at Fort Macon Sunday and Monday. “I used to be a lifeguard so I’m concerned about the little ones getting out too far in the surf.”
Jody Merritt, Fort Macon State Park Superintendent, said since no lifeguards were on duty at Fort Macon on Monday, he was glad to see surfers out.
“I had a ranger tell me a surfer had to help someone in,” he said. “We’re always glad to have surfers out here because they do help us.”
As far as beach traffic, Mr. Merritt said it was a typical Labor Day crowd.
“Labor Day is normally not as crowded as some of the other holidays,” he said. “It was really just another weekend for us. We had to close off the parking areas, but we normally have to do that on weekends during the summer,” referring to closing the lots when they become full.
County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Director Carol Lohr said Tuesday the 2008 Labor Day weekend appeared to be stronger than the 2007 holiday.
“Based on advance reservations, it looks like we were busier Labor Day this year, compared to last year,” she said.
County occupancy tax reports, the true measure of overnight visitation, will not be available until around Sept. 15.
With early effects from Hannah causing dangerous surf and rip currents, red flags were posted at the protected swimming area on Atlantic Beach, where lifeguards were busy watching for those who ventured out too far.
Atlantic Beach lifeguard Mark Carll of Havelock rescued a woman on a boogie board who was being pulled out by a rip current. Susan Youngman of Hamilton said she didn’t realize she was being pulled out.
“I was enjoying it. I didn’t realize I was in trouble,” she said after being towed through the surf by Mr. Carll, who used a surfboard to bring her in.
Mrs. Youngman’s husband, Tommy, who was on shore, realized what was happening but couldn’t get his wife’s attention.
“I used to be a lifeguard and saw what was happening. I was following her (on shore),” he said after helping Mr. Carll bring her out of the rough surf.
With Monday being the last day lifeguards are on duty for the season, Mr. Carll advised people to stay out of the ocean until the storm passes. For those who insist on going in, don’t go past your knees, he said.
“If you come out, use extreme caution. The ocean can be unforgiving,” said Mr. Carll. “Don’t overestimate your abilities in the ocean. I would say just stay out.”
Although lifeguards will no longer be posted, Mr. Carll said those in trouble can call the beach fire departments for assistance.
No lifeguards were posted at Fort Macon State Park’s beach access on Monday, but park rangers kept close eyes on the crowds that filled the beach. Several surfers were enjoying the high waves and also helped keep an eye on those daring to play in the surf.
“It’s good for surfers, but the undertows are really bad,” said Danny Meyers of Beaufort, who had been surfing at Fort Macon Sunday and Monday. “I used to be a lifeguard so I’m concerned about the little ones getting out too far in the surf.”
Jody Merritt, Fort Macon State Park Superintendent, said since no lifeguards were on duty at Fort Macon on Monday, he was glad to see surfers out.
“I had a ranger tell me a surfer had to help someone in,” he said. “We’re always glad to have surfers out here because they do help us.”
As far as beach traffic, Mr. Merritt said it was a typical Labor Day crowd.
“Labor Day is normally not as crowded as some of the other holidays,” he said. “It was really just another weekend for us. We had to close off the parking areas, but we normally have to do that on weekends during the summer,” referring to closing the lots when they become full.
County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Director Carol Lohr said Tuesday the 2008 Labor Day weekend appeared to be stronger than the 2007 holiday.
“Based on advance reservations, it looks like we were busier Labor Day this year, compared to last year,” she said.
County occupancy tax reports, the true measure of overnight visitation, will not be available until around Sept. 15.
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