Hundreds rescued as powerful currents threaten beachgoers

In recent days, particularly during the Fourth of July weekend, a significant number of beachgoers required rescue due to hazardous rip currents and powerful surf conditions along the East Coast and California coast of the United States. The United States Lifesaving Association reported that rip currents lead to over 100 fatalities each year, making them a serious threat for swimmers. Lifeguards across various locations experienced a surge in rescue calls, with Orange County lifeguards responding to over 500 rescues on the Fourth of July alone. The lifeguards highlighted the dangers of such currents, which often go unnoticed until swimmers find themselves far from shore. On the East Coast, particularly along the Jersey Shore, over 100 individuals were rescued after entering rip currents that had formed due to aggressive water conditions. Wilmington, North Carolina, witnessed similar incidents, resulting in at least 10 rescues. Lifeguard Harry Harsin acknowledged the heavy influx of visitors to the beach, attributing it to the heat and an eagerness to enjoy summer beach activities. With the onset of summer, many families flocked to the shore, causing an unprecedented number of rescues as swimmers were often unprepared for the danger posed by rip currents. California also experienced a dramatic increase in water rescues, as lifeguards reported over 150 actions taken in Huntington Beach and more than 350 in Newport Beach due to strong currents and large waves. The National Weather Service noted that swells were reaching heights of 6 to 8 feet, exacerbating the situation for even experienced swimmers. A particularly alarming incident involved a group of surfers being carried out by a