EMERALD ISLE, N.C. (WITN) – Many families will be heading to the beach over the next few days before the start of the school year, but with action in the tropics leading to a high rip current risk, paying attention to the warnings is important.

By Thursday, the yellow flags at Emerald Isle and along the coast will likely turn red. Even with moderate rip currents on Tuesday, lifeguards on duty had to rescue two people from the water.

“I was nervous,” said Daniella Perrelli, a beachgoer. “It is really important that everyone was signaling to the lifeguards to help.”

Autumn Perrelli learned what to do during a rip current from her mom. She says she is prepared for that possibly.

“To stay calm and swim to the side,” said Autumn Perrelli. “Call for help if you still need it.”

Emerald Isle Fire Chief William Matthias gathered the numbers for rescues Tuesday morning and says, “This summer, we have rescued 134 people for our summer season so far.” That compares to 90 rescues in 2023.

Chad Roush from Ohio is visiting the area for the week and keeps his children close when it comes to the water.

“Anytime we have the kids with us,” said Roush. “We really just hold them tight, stay close to the shallow end, and anything that is deep enough to go over our knees is definitely able to go over their heads.”

But aside from keeping his children nearby, paying attention to the flag conditions is another way he and his family stay safe while at the beach.

“We can see the flags from our hotel,” said Roush. “We’ve been checking them before we come down. They’ve been keeping everybody back and close to shore as they can and making sure that no one is out there when they shouldn’t be.”

The two people rescued were taken out of the water safely and are okay. If you are caught in a rip current, remember to not panic and float along the shore. It is suggested by officials to have floatation with you and to swim with a group while in the water.