NORTH CAROLINA, USA — Update: On Friday, June 21, the National Weather Service issued rip current warnings for the entire North Carolina coast and parts of the South Carolina coast.
As a result, many beaches are putting up red flags - meaning it isn't safe to swim.
We're streaming our live beach cams in this story so you can see the conditions for yourself. The stream will rotate through North Topsail Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, North Myrtle Beach, and Myrtle Beach.
June 20, 2024
No swimming is advised across all North Carolina beaches on Thursday - the official first day of summer.
Red flag warnings are up across the coast - meaning conditions are dangerous and could create rip currents.
The National Weather Service issued beach hazard alerts early Thursday morning that will last all day -- the impacted areas include all beaches along the North Carolina coast and the Outer Banks. South Carolina beaches are also impacted, including Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and more.
If you find yourself in a rip current, it's important to stay calm and swim parallel to the shore to get out of the current. If you still struggle to escape, the NWS says face the shore and call or wave for help.