Wild waves and rip currents shut down Ocean City beach

OCEAN CITY, Md. — Ocean City closed its beaches to swimmers and surfers earlier today because of rough surf. Officials explained why the waves are so dangerous.

Ryan Whittington of the Ocean City Fire Department said, “A rip current is something that, once you’re in the ocean, could begin to pull you out. So for everyone’s safety, due to the wave size and the extreme conditions today, the beaches are closed to swimming and surfing.”

Whittington also said there are many dangers to swimming during a rip current warning. “It’s going to be so rough, so exhausting that you can become what we refer to as an exhausted swimmer and then potentially a near-drowning episode. It’s also hard for people to see that someone is in the water in distress.”

While lifeguards can see swimmers from their stands, Ocean City Beach Patrol Lt. Mike Stone said it is a different story once they are in the water. “If you were out past the breakers, and they’re trying to go in to get you, it’s hard to even see where you are at that point. So then it really becomes unsafe for our staff as well.”

Even as the weather improves, both officials urged caution, saying rip currents may still be lurking in the water.

“Although it will look nice outside, the ocean will probably still be really rough,” Stone said. “And then, you know, we’ll have to really work at educating people.”

Whittington added, “The town of Ocean City, on its website for beach patrol, lists the hazards you may face from potential rip currents every day. So we encourage people to know the facts. And also, before you go to the ocean, talk to the lifeguard on the stand and see what they have to say to make sure that you’re staying safe.”

Stone said that if you do get caught in a rip current, stay calm and wave for help.