Local rescue teams head to NC coast as Hurricane Erin spurs rip current threats

Local swiftwater rescue teams are heading to the coast ahead of dangerous rip currents brought on by Hurricane Erin. 

Wrightsville Beach lifeguards rescued as many as 15 people on Tuesday as Hurricane Erin moves through the Atlantic Ocean closer to the North Carolina coast. On Monday, lifeguards at Wrightsville Beach reported between 60 to 70 rip current rescues.

Rip currents and large waves from Erin prompted coastal towns to issue no-swimming advisories lasting through Friday. The National Hurricane Center said the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda will face a risk of dangerous surf and rip currents across the western Atlantic basin throughout the week.

To assist in the potential rip impacts from the hurricane, crews from the Knightdale and Wake Forest fire departments were deployed to Plymouth, N.C., to stage in preparation for the hurricane’s impacts. 

The Charlotte Fire Department also sent crews to the coast with boats, high water vehicles and specialized equipment to support water rescues and emergency responses. 

Their mission on the coast is to remain in place as the storm approaches, ready to respond as needed in support of local rescue efforts. 

“We are proud of our crews for stepping up to serve our neighbors across North Carolina during this time of need,” Wake Forest fire officials stated in a Facebook post. “Please keep them in your thoughts as they prepare for potential rescue operations.”

Tropical systems like Erin can create dangerous conditions at the coast even if they don’t make landfall. Life-threatening rip currents are expected most of this week.

Avoid getting in the water when conditions are rough, and remember the following ocean safety tips if you end up getting stuck in waters.