FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell shows us what it’s like to experience a rip current, and how to get out of one before getting stuck. Most swimmers don’t even realize they are in one.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — After successfully rescuing a young girl from a rip current Friday night, a Good Samaritan was pulled underwater and later found dead.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:53 p.m. near 10th Avenue South in Myrtle Beach, after lifeguards had already gone off duty.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RIP CURRENTS, RIP TIDES AND UNDERTOWS?
According to authorities, the Good Samaritan managed to get the girl to safety before being pulled underwater by the current.
MAN DIES AFTER BEING CAUGHT IN A RIP CURRENT ON LONG BEACH ISLAND IN NEW JERSEY
FILE: Rip current flag.
(JAYDEE LEE SERRANO / AFP / Getty Images)
The Myrtle Beach Police and Fire departments launched a search that continued into the following morning.
Authorities confirmed that the missing swimmer’s body washed ashore and was recovered at 1:00 p.m. Saturday.
Rip currents typically move at 1 to 2 feet per second, but dangerous swells can accelerate up to 8 feet per second.
This intense speed allows them to rapidly overpower swimmers and sweep them far out to sea.
