Bertha and Our Rough Surf Conditions...

Bertha is now a tropical storm sitting southeast of Bermuda. The storm has been nearly stationary over the weekend and will continue bringing tropical storm force conditions to Bermuda over the next couple of days. Bertha is projected to slowly move north and then turn east further into the Atlantic by mid-week. For more on the track and the location, check out our hurricane center.

Bertha brought rough surf conditions to our east-facing beaches all weekend long with over 120 ocean rescues at Carolina and Wrightsville Beach. The swells from the hurricane, now a tropical storm, created up to 6 foot waves and strong rip currents. With Bertha not forecasted to move much over the next couple of days, the high rip current risk will continue. If you will be venturing into the ocean, please be extremely careful as rip currents are even tough for experienced swimmers.

If you are caught in a rip current, remember these tips.

1. Remain calm.

2. Swim parallel to the shore.

3. If you can't get out, tread water.

4. Call or wave for help.

Please be careful out there over the next couple of days. Be sure to pay attention to the flags on the lifeguard stands and always listen to lifeguards.