If you’re heading to Tybee Island this Labor Day, lifeguards have one big message: the ocean is not safe right now.

Tybee Island Ocean Rescue says red flags are flying today, meaning dangerous rip currents are present along the beach. These currents can pull even strong swimmers out to sea.

  • What it means: Red flag = swim with extreme caution. If conditions get worse, lifeguards may raise double red flags, which means the water is officially closed to swimmers.
  • Today’s surf check: Waves are running 2–3 feet, with winds up to 21 knots. Water temperature is 81°F, and the UV index is moderate at 5.

Tide schedule for Monday, Sept. 1:

  • Low tide: 8:03 a.m.
  • High tide: 3:30 p.m.
  • Low tide: 10:14 p.m.

What to do if you’re at the beach:

  • Listen to lifeguards and check flag colors before going near the water.
  • If you get caught in a rip current, don’t fight it. Swim parallel to shore until you’re free, then head back in.
  • Enjoy Tybee’s wide beaches, local food, and sunshine from the safety of the sand.

👉 Bottom line: Stay alert, keep out of dangerous surf, and enjoy your Labor Day responsibly.

Publisher at  – btclark@thegeorgiasun.com – Web

B.T. Clark is the Publisher of The Georgia Sun and author of Principles Are Like Pants… You Ought to Have Some. Over two decades in journalism, he has served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc., earning multiple awards along the way. His work has appeared in newspapers across the state, including The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal.