NWS: Rip current risk lower this week

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Red flags flew again Sunday at Virginia Beach, warning swimmers of dangerous rip currents.

"The waves are big. It's rough. There's lots of rip currents," said Gary Felch, a lifeguard. "People overestimate their swimming ability and that's when they get in trouble."

A sign in the sand near 31st Street said the rip current risk was moderate Sunday, meaning only experienced swimmers should be in the water. Swimming was restricted to knee deep wading. Lifeguards said the restriction cut down on the number of rescues.

"It's not as strong as it was yesterday, but it's pretty strong," said Zee Siekirski, who was enjoying the beach with his daughter Madison.

Beach goers used more caution after a swimmer drowned at the Oceanfront Saturday. Lifeguards pulled the man from the water near 16th Street Saturday. Police say he was in his 40s and visiting from out of town. Witnesses say he was vacationing with family.

Officials do not know if the man drowned because of the currents or a medical condition. His identity has not been released.

Either way, parents hugged their kids a little tighter Sunday.

"We always keep her under close supervision, otherwise she'll find trouble anywhere," said Rick Koch, holding his four-year-old daughter in his arms. "She doesn't need a riptide for trouble."

Siekirski and his daughter stuck to the sand.

"Madison is an excellent swimmer, an excellent swimmer, but obviously she's not swimming in this water," he said.

For the most part, visitors stayed out of the water, opting instead for music and Father's Day festivities on the boardwalk.

Lifeguards say to swim parallel to shore If you get caught in a rip current. Swimming against the current will tire you out, and that's how people get into trouble.

The high risk rip current advisory ended at 8 p.m. Sunday night. The National Weather Service says Virginia Beach will have a moderate risk for rip currents Monday.