Tropical Storm Colin has left SC behind. Is it safe to go to the beach?
Tropical Storm Colin disappeared from South Carolina’s waters almost as quickly as it appeared.
As the sun began to poke out Saturday afternoon, beachgoers are sure to be racing back to the sand to enjoy the rest of the weekend. However, just because the clouds parted doesn’t mean Colin is done with South Carolina just yet.
People still need to be aware of one lingering effect for the next day or so — rip currents.
“The strong winds offshore are producing big waves” that contribute to rip currents, said Tim Armstrong, a meteorologist in the National Weather Service’s Wilmington office
Rip currents are dangerous undersea channels of water that can easily drag swimmers out to sea or drown them. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has said the currents can easily move faster than even an Olympic swimmer.
“Elevated risk for strong rip currents, especially for Brunswick County beaches and north of Myrtle Beach, will pose a threat to anyone who enters the surf,” the National Weather Service’s Wilmington office said.
For swimmers who are caught in a rip current, don’t try to fight it and swim back to shore immediately. Instead, swim slightly parallel to the current, angling yourself back to shore until you reach land.
The rip currents will linger even after the storm seems to have passed, making them a potential deadly aftereffect for swimmers caught unaware.
For now, the weather service recommends caution for anyone who wants to go swimming as Colin recedes. Rip current chances will remain high through much of Sunday and possibly Monday, the weather service said.
Maybe, instead, work on your tan? Or play beach volleyball? (Just remember to wear lots of sunscreen! Nobody wants to be a tomato.)
