Be careful on the beach this weekend

Although Hurricane Lee won’t make landfall along the East Coast, its effects will certainly be felt in Delaware. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecasted deadly rip currents and waves possibly exceeding 10 feet. 

The recent tragic loss of a swimmer's life in Rehoboth Beach on Labor Day weekend serves as a stark reminder of the perils that can lurk beneath the waves. The ocean may look safe on the surface, but beachgoers must be aware of rip currents, especially now that beach patrols have drastically reduced staffing numbers for the fall. 

Although the air temperature will be near 80 with ocean temperatures in the high 70s – very inviting – swimmers must exercise caution and remain vigilant. Before entering the water, it is essential to check for advisories or warnings. Pay attention to red flags. If caught in a rip current, remember not to panic. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until free of the current's pull.

This weekend’s conditions may exceed those the Cape Region experienced just a week-and-a-half ago when Hurricane Idalia passed by Delaware’s coast. It made for a busy weekend for local beach patrols in the final days of the busy tourist season. 

When the swimmer went missing in Rehoboth, lifeguards, police and emergency personnel came together to search for the man, putting together a well-organized and impressive effort that should be recognized, despite the tragic conclusion. 

But that wasn’t the only major event of the weekend. About the same time the search began for the missing swimmer, Rehoboth Beach Patrol also had to save another swimmer’s life. Beach patrol captains reported many other incidents in the region as well. 

Now with lifeguards providing lighter coverage, it is imperative beachgoers use common sense when going into the ocean. Unlike Labor Day weekend, when thousands of people were still on the beach, the sand is a bit less congested with fewer eyes on the surf. Be careful and don’t do anything careless.