Rip current threat won't dampen beach fun for Labor Day weekend
The sun is back and Idalia is long gone, but it's still not safe to swim in the ocean. Red "no swimming" flags are flying along the Outer Banks beaches from Duck down to Ocracoke, but plenty of visitors and residents are ready to make the best of a holiday weekend without going in the ocean.
By Friday afternoon the rain had gone, the winds had calmed down and the sun was out. Although the weather was welcoming, the ocean water was not safe for swimmers.
Elizabeth Garner, who works the front desk at the Surf Side Hotel, was relieved that the storm earlier in the week had cleared, and took up the task of warning tourists about the rough water.
"We tell them not to swim, and how dangerous rip currents are," she said. We actually have it printed out in the office, like it's really dangerous to swim right now."
The only visitors seen in the water Friday were a few four-legged friends splashing in the surf.
Lisa Ponton said, "I am here with Mia and Parker, and my husband Roy. We are here from Maryland for the weekend."
She said the water warning would not ruin her holiday.
"It's a little wild. We probably won't be getting in the water," she said.
Rip currents are not the only danger.
A state advisory warns against swimming in coastal waters impacted by the storm, because of the possibility of harmful bacteria, runoff from the heavy rain.
Angela Frye and her family weathered the storm on Thursday and on Friday they enjoyed one last dry beach day before heading home.
"This is our special place," Frye said. "We've been coming here for years, and now we get to share it with our son. It's always a great time for us, this time of year."
N.C. Highway 12 is clear and passable, ready for the holiday travelers heading to the beach.
