CUES SHOW SWIMMERS FACE DEADLY RISKS: WHAT TO KNOW TO STAY SAFE
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A lifeguard patrols the beach during a sunny afternoon at Hampton Beach in Hampton, NH. (Nicholas Pfosi for The Boston Globe via getty Images)
Hampton Beach, NH – Lifeguards at Hampton Beach have reported a surge in rescues due to dangerous rip currents, with over 140 swimmers pulled to safety in a single week. The unusually high number of incidents has prompted officials to warn beachgoers about the potentially deadly conditions.
According to Hampton Beach lifeguard Captain Patrick Murphy, the recent conditions are atypical. “A lot of the sand in those flash rip currents really kicked out, especially around high tide, which we normally don’t see here,” Murphy told the outlet. “On some days, we’ve had 40 to 60 rescues, but more than 140 in a week is unusual.” Officials noted the unpredictable nature of rescue numbers during periods of strong rip currents.
Rip currents are a meaningful water safety hazard, responsible for over 100 deaths annually in the United States, according to the United States Lifesaving Association. NOAA reports tens of thousands of rescues are performed each year due to these powerful currents. NOAA provides extensive information on rip current safety.
The dangerous conditions at Hampton Beach were exacerbated by the remnants of Hurricane Erin and Tropical Storm Dexter, which created rough ocean conditions. The currents are formed when water moves back out to sea, often appearing as a channel of churning, choppy water.
Lifeguards emphasize the importance of remaining calm if caught in a rip current and avoiding attempting to swim directly back to shore. “The best bet is to swim parallel to shore,” Murphy said. ”Do not try to go directly back to shore. You’re going to be fighting the current. You’re going to get tired.” Swimming parallel to the shore allows a swimmer to escape the narrow current and return to safety.
Fox News Digital’s Adam Sabes and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides, and migrant crime. Story tips: stepheny.price@fox.com.
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