WRIGHTSVILLE, N.C. — Much of the North Carolina coast was under a rip current warning Friday night because of Hurricane Ophelia's heavy surf and high winds.
Rip currents are blamed for more than 100 deaths each year.
So far this year, five people have died in North Carolina waters.
"Unless you're experienced, please stay out of the water," Dave Baker, director of Ocean Rescue, said. "But you can come and enjoy and watch the beauty of the waves."
Officials expect the rip currents to remain dangerous over the next several days, and they have planned accordingly.
All available lifeguards will work this weekend, and lifeguards have put up red flags to warn people of potential danger.
They have also urged people to stay out of the water this weekend.
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