SAIPAN — A high rip current risk is in effect for east-facing reefs of the Marianas through Thursday afternoon, the CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said in a special marine advisory Monday evening.
In the 6:40 p.m. advisory, HSEM said elevated trade swell is expected to produce a high risk of rip currents along east-facing reefs for much of the coming week.
Rip currents will be life threatening, the advisory said. HSEM said rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
Governor David M. Apatang reminded the general public to stay out of the waters along east-facing reefs.
If caught in a rip current, HSEM said to relax and float, do not swim against the current, and if able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
The advisory was based on information received from the National Weather Service Tiyan Guam and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point.