Thousands on East Coast Warned of Neck and Back Injuries
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Thousands of North Carolina beachgoers were advised to use caution when entering the ocean at beaches north of Cape Hatteras amid dangerous ocean conditions that could cause life-threatening injuries to swimmers.
National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Olivia Cahill told Newsweek that strong waves and life-threatening rip currents are caused by northeasterly winds from Tropical Storm Dexter churning further out in the Atlantic Ocean.
Why It Matters
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a beach hazards statement for the Northern Outer Banks and Hatteras Island in North Carolina, warning thousands of East Coast visitors of dangerous rip currents and large breaking waves on Monday.
Such hazards pose a significant risk to swimmers and surfers, with particular concern for neck and back injuries that can result from being thrown into the ocean floor. Awareness of these risks is vital, as rip currents are the leading cause of weather-related fatalities on Carolina beaches, and shore break injuries can have devastating, long-term health consequences. The NWS statement comes amid the height of summer tourism, when beaches are crowded, increasing the potential for drownings and serious spinal injuries.
What To Know
In the early morning hours on Monday, the NWS Newport/Morehead City, North Carolina, office announced a Beach Hazards Statement in effect through the evening.
The advisory targeted the beaches north of Cape Hatteras and specifically warned of dangerous rip currents capable of pushing even strong swimmers away from shore into deeper water and large breaking waves in the surf zone, increasing the risk of shore break injuries.
The highest risk of strong rip currents occurred earlier this morning, but the hazard will persist throughout the day.
Stock photo showing a red flag at a beach, signaling hazardous ocean conditions.
Stock photo showing a red flag at a beach, signaling hazardous ocean conditions.
Ahmad Darmansyah/Getty
The impacts noted included a high likelihood of swimmers being caught and pulled offshore by rip currents, as well as a risk that large, forceful shore breaks could drive swimmers and surfers head-first into the sandy bottom, causing neck and back injuries. The NWS emphasized the life-threatening nature of these conditions and urged beachgoers to follow safety guidelines.
If caught in a rip current, swimmers should remain calm, swim parallel to the shore, and if exhausted, float or tread water until free from the current. For shore break protection, keep hands in front of the face and head when in the surf to help shield against potential impact injuries.
Numerous other beach hazards statements were issued along the East Coast, including in North Carolina and Virginia, although these alerts didn't specifically mention neck and back injuries as a threat.
What People Are Saying
NWS meteorologist Olivia Cahill told Newsweek: "The beach hazards statement is only issued if there's a high rip current risk or if there's a potential for a longshore currents or dangerous shore break."
A beach hazards statement issued in North Carolina said: "Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water."
What Happens Next
Authorities expected hazardous conditions to persist through Monday evening, but the alert could be extended should conditions persist. The NWS and local officials recommended that all visitors consult beach forecasts and abide by posted warnings. Rip current risks can recur, particularly around low tide or following distant storms, so ongoing vigilance is required throughout the summer season.
Cahill stressed the importance of only swimming at beaches with lifeguards.
"Just because it's a beautiful day outside doesn't mean the rip currents aren't dangerous," she said.
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