Rip current risk moderate Tuesday, red flags posted for no swimming in Myrtle Beach Monday

The risk for rip currents Tuesday are expected to be moderate, but ocean swimmers should still check with lifeguards before entering the water.

Those in the Myrtle Beach city limits saw red flags posted, meaning no swimming in the ocean Monday. Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C., issued the rip current warnings, which were in effect until 8 p.m. Monday.

Though the risk for rip currents should decrease to moderate by Tuesday, the rain may continue along the Grand Strand, Mark Bacon, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said most of the rain should come in late morning.

“After tomorrow it should dry out and get hot,” Bacon said.

Area lifeguards will have the final say on swimming conditions Tuesday, Bacon said.

“If the lifeguards are out there tomorrow in real time and see that it’s bad, then they can raise the red flag,” Bacon said.

Myrtle Beach police officials said Monday that those going into the ocean should not get over knee deep until further notice.

An increased rip current risk was issued for Horry and Brunswick, N.C., counties, while beach hazards were in effect for Georgetown County because of strong south to north long shore current developing.

Surf height was about four feet, with the increase chance of rip currents two hours before and after low tide, forecasters said.

The strong south to north long shore current increases dangerous surf conditions, forecasters said. Anyone near the water should use caution.

“There is a high risk of rip currents. Life threatening rip currents are likely in the surf zone,” forecasters said in their warning Monday.

Residents and visitors should check with lifeguards, beach patrol officers or look for flags or signs posted on the beaches about swimming conditions.

If you get caught in a rip current, yell for help, but remain calm, officials said. Do not try to swim against a rip current. Do not exhaust yourself; stay afloat.

If you have to swim out of a rip current, swim parallel to the shore and back toward the beach when possible.

This story was originally published August 3, 2015 at 7:39 AM with the headline "Rip current risk moderate Tuesday, red flags posted for no swimming in Myrtle Beach Monday."