Three rip current rescues made at NC beach after waves reach nearly 9 feet from Fiona swells

The Ocean Rescue Captain for Wrightsville Beach confirmed to WRAL that three rip-current rescues were made in the area on Thursday. Wave heights reached nearly nine feet near Atlantic Beach.

At Wrightsville, waves were active and winds were gusting. It was beautiful and sunny, but that was deceiving. Ocean rescue teams had equipment set up on the beach to make more rescues if needed.

"We usually don't get in very deep," said Nick Gaines, who was on vacation with his family from Pittsboro. "You can feel it pulling a little bit. We try to be careful."

There is a high surf advisory in effect for the North Carolina coast from now until midnight Friday. Four-to-seven foot waves are possible in the surf zone for our southern beaches. Seven-to-11 foot waves are possible from Morehead City and along the Outer Banks.

Thursday evening, waters were getting stronger and several people on the beach moved up with the waves pushing closer to land.

Ocean rescue crews suggest to stay out of the water if you're at the beach this weekend. There are no posted lifeguards at Wrightsville Beach. Officials said you're welcome to come on to the beach, but swimming is not recommended.

"If you come to the beach, stay out of the ocean," said Ocean rescue captain Sam Proffitt. "Not worth it, very dangerous conditions … not worth going in right now."