Key Takeaways
- Tybee Island issues a red flag warning due to strong rip currents; swimming is not recommended today.
- Lifeguards are flying red flags and advising beachgoers to call 911 if they see someone in distress.
- Current beach conditions include a water temperature of 79°F and moderate surf heights of 1-2 feet.
- Visitors can enjoy shoreline activities but should avoid entering the water due to rip currents.
Beachgoers heading to Tybee Island today should leave their swimming plans on shore as ocean rescue officials have issued a red flag warning due to strong rip currents.
Current Beach Conditions
Tybee Island Ocean Rescue announced Saturday morning that lifeguards are flying red flags throughout the beach, signaling dangerous rip currents and strong surf conditions. The official advisory is clear: swimming is not recommended today.
“If you spot someone in distress please call 911 immediately,” Tybee Island Ocean Rescue said in their morning update.
The warning comes as north winds are reaching 17 knots (about 20 mph) with gusts up to 27 knots (31 mph). These wind conditions are contributing to the formation of rip currents, which can quickly pull swimmers away from shore even in seemingly calm waters.
What to Know Before You Go
Despite the swimming advisory, the beach remains open with the following conditions:
- Water temperature: A warm 79°F
- Air temperature: High of 82°F, low of 68°F
- UV Index: 3 (moderate)
- Surf height: 1-2 feet
- Tide schedule: Low tide at 7:06am and 7:53pm, high tide at 1:13pm
Safety First
Visitors with questions about specific areas are encouraged to approach roving lifeguards who can provide location-specific information about conditions.
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of water that flow away from shore. They can occur at any beach with breaking waves and are particularly dangerous because they can pull even strong swimmers away from the beach.
While the red flag warning means swimming isn’t advised, the moderate temperatures and UV index still make for pleasant beach walking and shoreline activities that don’t involve entering the water.
Remember that beach conditions can change throughout the day, so staying informed and respecting warning flags is essential for a safe visit to Tybee Island.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
