VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Lifeguards at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront are strongly urging beachgoers to stay out of the water this Labor Day due to a high risk of rip currents, which could quickly turn a day of fun into a life-threatening situation.

The warning comes as strong northeast winds are pushing waves between three to five feet, creating hazardous conditions for swimmers of all skill levels. The National Weather Service has issued a high rip current risk for much of the coast, including Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks.

Gary Felch, Deputy Chief Lifeguard with the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service, said conditions today are simply too dangerous to swim.

“It’s pretty much a non-swimming day,” said Felch. “About ankle to knee deep is all that should really be in the water.”

He ex

See Full Page