Hot summer days usually mean spending lazy days on the river, taking a boat out for a cruise or even making the short trek to the many beautiful beaches North Carolina has to offer.

And to many, the expectation is that cruising down the river on a boat or spending the day soaking up the eastern North Carolina sun with their toes in the sand should be relaxing. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. There are the obvious risk factors: jellyfish, sharks and/or sunburn. But, beach-goers must look out for what might be one of the ocean’s most deadliest qualities: rip currents.

Last weekend, during what should’ve been a relaxing, fun weekend at the beach, two people lost their lives to a rip current. On Saturday in Atlantic Beach, a 56-year old man died after he attempted to rescue two teenage girls from a rip current. Less than 24 hours later, a 21-year old man got pulled out in a rip current and died at the same beach.

The potential risk of a rip current is not something to be taken lightly. A rip current is a powerful channel of fast-moving water that can pull a swimmer from the shore within seconds, and within minutes, it could be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to escape.

However, fatalities due to rip currents can be avoided. Listen to the lifeguards. Pay attention to areas that have “red flags” or “swimming advisories.” They are there for a reason. The lifeguards are there for saving lives — but informing swimmers of the dangers of rip currents before they enter the water is a lot easier than saving a drowning swimmer.

Be educated and wary of the weather and the possible risks. If one is unsure if it is safe to swim, just ask an official. If caught in a current, don’t try to fight it. Most of the time, currents are too strong, and the swimmer will become exhausted and drown. Swim parallel to the shore to escape the current. If it can’t be escaped, wave for help.

The National Weather Service posted a beach hazard yesterday stating a high threat for rip currents from Surf City all the way through Duck.

With more hot summer days in our future and July 4 quickly approaching, it’s important to be cautious of one of the ocean’s silent killers.