At least three people died and dozens more were rescued over the Labor Day holiday weekend as several states on the East Coast saw dangerous rip currents.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning on Saturday that Hurricane Idalia would be “producing dangerous surf/rips” along the East Coast. Swells coming from the hurricane were predicted to cause “life-threatening surf and rip current conditions” throughout Labor Day weekend.
“Swells from Idalia are forecast to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along portions of the east coast of the United States through Labor Day weekend,” the NWS said.
Headed to the 🏖️? Check https://t.co/VyWINDk3xP & rip tips👇. Idalia producing dangerous surf/rips on East Coast.
🌊 Caught in a #RipCurrent?
🏊♂️ Relax and float to conserve energy.
🙌 Staying calm may save your life!
🏝 Be #BeachSmart. #BreakTheGrip https://t.co/Mx6ynSxlYc pic.twitter.com/9wLq2UT63A— National Weather Service (@NWS) September 2, 2023
Two swimmers died after being caught in rip currents along the Jersey Shore, according to NBC Philadelphia. Lifeguards in the beach town of Belmar, New Jersey, reportedly rescued five people from the waters, while a sixth person died.
Lifeguards in the ocean city of Seaside Park also conducted rescues, with many occurring after 6 p.m. One person was pronounced dead from the rip currents. (RELATED: Before-And-After Photos From Hurricane Idalia Are Mind-Blowing)
Beaches in Delaware and Maryland reported hundreds of rescues and one death at Rehoboth Beach, according to Chesapeake Bay Magazine.
Rip current warnings from the NWS were reported to be in effect until Tuesday in states from North Carolina to New York, according to the Associated Press.