The National Weather Service issued a surf rip current warning at 3:13 a.m. Saturday, effective between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, for Essex County.

The weather service reports: “Dangerous surf currents expected.”

“Rip currents can push even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water,” the weather service comments. “Swim near a lifeguard. If you get caught in a rip current, relax and let yourself drift. Do not swim against the current. If possible, swim in a direction that follows the shoreline. If you cannot escape, turn toward shore and call or wave for help.”

What to do if you get caught in a rip current?

Surf rip currents are channeled currents that flow away from shore on surf beaches. The speed can vary from moment to moment and can increase quickly, making it dangerous for anyone caught in the surf. Surf rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer away from shore. Trying to swim against a surf rip current only uses up your energy; the energy you need to survive and escape the surf rip current. If you get caught in a surf rip current, try to stay calm and follow the weather service’s advice below:

Stay cool, you won’t be dragged into the depths:

Don’t panic – you won’t be pulled underwater by back currents.

Go with the flow, but not towards the beach:

Do not swim against the current to the beach. Instead, swim parallel to the beach and out of the current.

Request help if needed:

If you can’t reach the shore, stay calm. Turn toward the shore, tread water, and signal for help by calling or waving your arms. This will make it more likely that rescue workers will find you.

Search for beaches with lifeguards:

If possible, choose beaches with lifeguards. Their watchful eyes and quick response can make all the difference in a water emergency.

Never swim alone on unguarded beaches:

If you choose to swim at a beach without lifeguards, never go alone. Take a friend with you and have them carry a cell phone so they can call 911.

Surf rip currents are powerful forces of nature, but knowing how to respond can greatly increase your chances of safely navigating these challenging waters. Stay informed, stay alert, and make your surfing safety your top priority.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.