Beach Hazards Statement issued for rip current risk

The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement, in effect until 8pm Saturday evening. The Lake Superior shoreline portion of south St. Louis, Carlton, and Douglas counties is expected to have dangerous swimming conditions due to high wave action and strong rip currents.

Northeast winds off the lake will be producing waves of 2-3 feet into the early evening hours. High wave action can make swimming difficult as incoming waves in rapid succession can tire a swimmer out.

Minnesota Park Point and Wisconsin Point beaches are at risk of these dangerous conditions.

The National Weather Service has some tips to understand Rip Currents. If you are caught in a rip current, you should relax. A rip current will not pull you under the water, it will pull you further from shore.

Do not try to swim against the current, instead swim in a direction following the shoreline. If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or tread water. If you are unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by yelling or wave for assistance.

If you see anyone struggling, officials urge you to call 911. Try to direct the victim to swim following the shoreline. If possible throw the victim something that floats. Do not enter the water.

More information on conditions and rip currents can be found by visiting the Park Point Beach website
at www.parkpointbeach.org.