Conditions at several beaches across the Massachusetts coast may be unsafe for even the most experienced swimmers this weekend due to high, rough surf and dangerous rip currents.
National Weather Service forecasters issued a rip current statement covering parts of Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth and Dukes counties that stretches from 8 a.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday. During that period, forecasters say, even the best swimmers should swim near a lifeguard.
Rip currents can quickly pull swimmers out away from shore into deeper waters, and forecasters say anyone who does get caught in a current should “relax and float” rather than attempt to swim against it.
“If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help,” forecasters wrote.
Compounding the risk, forecasters also warned of high surf, with large, breaking waves between 5 feet and 7 feet.
A high surf advisory is in place for both Barnstable and Nantucket counties. In eastern Essex County and eastern Plymouth County, forecasters say both rip currents and high surf are possible.
“Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water,” forecasters wrote.
