'Life-Threatening' Rip Currents On South Shore LI Beaches Wednesday

LONG ISLAND, NY —The National Weather Service is warning all Long Islanders to be aware of "life-threatening" rip currents if they go swimming in the ocean Wednesday.

The whole South Shore of the Island is on notice for a high rip current risk through Wednesday evening, the National Weather Service said.

Anyone who goes to the beach should stay out of the surf.

Rip currents form in the water and flow away from the shore. They can move at one to two feet per second, but some have been recorded moving at 8 feet per second. Rip currents can sweep even the most experienced swimmers out into the ocean.

If you get caught in a rip current, do not try to swim against it. Try to relax and float. If you can, swim parallel to the shoreline to get out of the current. If you can't, face the shore and yell and wave for help.

Remember to only swim where lifeguards are present.