SOUTHEASTERN N.C. (WECT) - The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted a moderate rip current risk for all Brunswick County beaches on Tuesday. According to the NWS, the forecast was issued on July 8, and yellow flags are flying from Bald Head Island to Sunset Beach.

Many beachgoers enjoying the waters off Newport Beach on the July Fourth holiday were in for a rude awakening. Lifeguards rescued 350 people Friday after the surf turned dangerous. In one instance, multiple people were rescued from a “monster rip current,” according to social media posts from Newport Beach Lifeguards.

Leal said he remembered advice from his mother and began swimming parallel to the shore when a group of strangers approached and asked if the boys needed help.