(REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.) - Delaware beaches could experience high risk rip currents this weekend.
When the water is considered to be high risk, it means it is dangerous and possibly even life threatening.
Rehoboth Beach Patrol prepares all lifeguards on how to deal with these conditions and even how to spot the dangerous water from the shore.
"Rip currents happen when there's a lot of undertow and you can actually see it. It tends to generate a lot of white water," explains William James, a lifeguard for the patrol.
Captain Kent Buckson is aware of the dangerous surf conditions and warns everyone to keep calm if they find themselves in the current.
"Do not panic, because when you panic it tends to affect your breathing and your thinking. Your body then tenses up and you just aren't in the right mindset to save your life," said Buckson.
If a person remains calm, they need to let the current take them out and not fight it.
Eventually the rip current will fizzle out and lose its strenght.
That's when, Buckson says a person is safe to swim back ashore.
If you are having a hard time, signal a lifeguard for help immediately.
To be aware of surf conditions, swing by the Rehoboth Beach Patrol Headquarters.
The patrol uses a flag system to alert visitors of dangerous waters.
"A green flag is small, easy waves. A yellow flag is moderate to dangerous surf. And then we have a red flag which means use extreme caution because the water is extremely dangerous," explained Buckson.
Buckson told WRDE beach goers should always swim with a buddy, near the lifeguard stand, and pay attention to the flag color.
Maryland beaches could also experience these dangerous surf conditions over the weekend.
No rip current-related injuries have occurred in Rehoboth this summer.
But according to the United State Lifesaving Association, over 100 Americans die yearly from rip currents.