Weather authorities warn high risk of rip currents Saturday

Beach-goers beware! A high rip current risk advisory has been issued for Horry, Georgetown, and coastal Pender County, N.C.

Weather authorities at the National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C. said the risk will last through the evening Saturday.

East facing beaches of Horry and Georgetown counties, along with Pender County, N.C., are under the risk, according to a weather service warning.

Surf could reach 4 feet in Pender County, N.C. and about 3 feet at Horry and Georgetown County beaches, weather authorities said.

The strongest rip currents may occur a few hours on either side of low tide, which will happen around 1:15 p.m. Saturday, forecasters said.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water, flowing quickly away from shore and mostly occur at low spots, breaks in sandbars, or near structures, such as piers.

Forecasters recommend heeding the advice of lifeguards and beach patrol, along with being mindful of flags and signs.

Swimmers who become caught in a rip current should remain calm and shout for help and should not exhaust themselves while waiting for help. Swimmers should try to stay afloat while waiting on aid.

Swimming parallel to the shore and back toward the beach is recommended for those who have to swim out of the rip current. Never swim against the rip current, weather officials said.

This story was originally published October 15, 2016 at 8:25 AM with the headline "Weather authorities warn high risk of rip currents Saturday."