The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Rip Current Statement for Rhode Island, Nantucket, and Cape Cod, warning of dangerous rip currents expected from 6 p.m. on Friday, August 16th, through Sunday evening.
“Dangerous rip currents expected,” the weather service said. “South facing coastline and beaches of Rhode Island, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket. For Cape Cod, the south and east facing beaches on primarily across the Outer Cape.”
According to NWS, rip currents can affect even the best swimmers. “If caught in a rip current, the best thing to do is relax and float. Do not swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face theshore and call or wave for help.”
The weather service recommends swimming near a lifeguard and being aware of conditions before heading out and to avoid swimming in areas prone to rip currents, especially during high tide and low wind conditions.
Rip Current Statement
Coastal Hazard Message National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA 1214 PM EDT Fri Aug 16 2024 MAZ022>024-RIZ006>008-170930- /O.NEW.KBOX.RP.S.0007.240816T2200Z-240819T0000Z/ Barnstable MA-Dukes MA-Nantucket MA-Washington RI-Newport RI- Block Island RI- 1214 PM EDT Fri Aug 16 2024 ...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. * WHERE...South facing coastline and beaches of Rhode Island, Martha`s Vineyard, Nantucket. For Cape Cod, the south and east facing beaches on primarily across the Outer Cape. * WHEN...From 6 PM EDT this evening through Sunday evening. * IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
