Charleston, SC, September 29, 2025
News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a rip current advisory for Charleston and surrounding counties due to Hurricane Erin. Expect hazardous swimming conditions as dangerous rip currents can unexpectedly pull swimmers into deeper waters. Beach erosion is also reported, prompting safety warnings. Officials urge swimmers to stay close to lifeguard stations and emphasize calmness if caught in a rip current. This advisory underscores ongoing risks along the Eastern Seaboard, where over 800 rip current-related drownings have occurred in the U.S. since 2010.
Charleston, SC
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston, SC, has issued a rip current advisory for the Eastern Seaboard due to the impact of Hurricane Erin. The advisory, which was updated at 2:17 a.m. on Monday, is valid from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It specifically covers Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston counties and warns of “dangerous rip currents expected,” resulting in hazardous swimming conditions.
Local reports indicate that beach erosion is occurring as strong surf conditions continue along the Atlantic coast. Rip currents are described as swift-moving channels of water that can unexpectedly pull swimmers away from the shore into deeper waters. Even robust swimmers may struggle against the powerful currents, prompting officials to advise inexperienced swimmers to stay out of the water during these dangerous surf conditions.
Swimmers are encouraged to remain close to lifeguard stations for increased safety. If caught in a rip current, it is essential to stay calm and float, rather than attempting to swim against the current, which can lead to exhaustion. Experts recommend swimming parallel to the shoreline to escape the grip of the rip current. If an escape is not possible, swimmers should face the shore and signal for help by calling or waving.
The rip current advisory will remain in effect until 8 p.m. on the day it was issued. High rip current risks have been noted from New York’s Long Island down through the mid-Atlantic coast, extending to parts of South Carolina, Georgia, and northern Florida. Coastal Flood Warnings also remain active throughout the Eastern Seaboard, with tidal flooding in Charleston reaching up to half a foot above normal levels due to strong northeast winds.
There have been reports in North Carolina of approximately 60 people needing rescue from rip currents at Wrightsville Beach. In Atlantic City, New Jersey, beachgoers face additional restrictions, being limited to knee-deep water and prohibited from using boogie boards. Since 2010, more than 800 people have lost their lives due to rip current drownings in the U.S., underlining the significant safety concerns associated with rip currents.
As Hurricane Erin continues to impact the region, lifeguards are ramping up patrols, especially in areas identified as high-risk for rip currents. Ocean conditions can sometimes appear calm, creating a deceptive environment where rip currents can catch swimmers off guard. Officials from the NWS and various safety organizations emphasize the importance of checking for rip current warnings before entering the water and constantly monitoring current weather conditions.
The presence of rip currents is a critical concern for safety officials, and ongoing efforts for public awareness and caution are being emphasized in light of the hazardous swimming conditions along the Eastern Seaboard.
FAQ
What is a rip current?
Rip currents are described as swift-moving channels of water that can pull swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
What should swimmers do if caught in a rip current?
If caught in a rip current, individuals should remain calm and float, avoiding the counterproductive action of swimming against the current. They should swim parallel to the shoreline to escape the grip of the rip current and, if unable to escape, face the shore and signal for help by calling or waving.
How long is the rip current advisory in effect?
The rip current advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. on the day issued.
Where is the rip current advisory applicable?
The advisory covers Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston counties.
How many people have died from rip current drownings in the U.S. since 2010?
Since 2010, more than 800 people have died due to rip current drownings in the U.S.
Key Features of the Rip Current Advisory
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Advisory Area | Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston counties |
| Advisory Duration | Valid from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the day issued |
| High-Risk Areas | New York’s Long Island to northern Florida |
| Recent Incidents | Approx. 60 rescues at Wrightsville Beach, NC |
| Fatality Statistics | Over 800 deaths in the U.S. since 2010 due to rip current drownings |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston Braces for Afternoon Scattered Thunderstorms Amid Development Debates
Advisory Issued for Goose Creek Reservoir Due to Algal Bloom
Charleston Considers Referendum to Extend Transportation Tax
Advisory Issued for Goose Creek Reservoir Due to Algal Bloom
Charleston to Discuss Flood Mitigation and Groundwater Monitoring
Charleston Discusses Flood Mitigation Plans
Charleston, SC Faces Coastal Flooding Due to King Tides
Flash Flood Warning in Charleston as Heavy Rain Hits City
Charleston Adjusts Criteria for Flash Flood Warnings
Heavy Traffic Disrupts Morning Commute in Charleston
Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Rip Current
- Herald Online
- Google Search: Rip Currents Safety
- Fox Weather
- Google Scholar: Rip Currents
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rip Currents
- ABC News 4
- Google News: Hurricane Erin
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
