Red flags fly on Hilton Head as high rip current risk affects beaches
Shore Beach Services, which provides lifeguarding services on the island’s beaches, has put out red flags across Hilton Head beaches due to a coastal rip current advisory.
Lifeguards are telling people to only venture into waist deep water due to the rough conditions. People who can not swim should stay out of the water completely.
Mike Wagner, director of Shore Beach Services, said lifeguards have seen a number of rip currents throughout the day, though no one has needed to be rescued.
According to the National Weather Service, the rip current risk will remain high through the evening. On Wednesday, the risk will be moderate.
The rip current risk comes as the area also comes under a coastal flood advisory at 8 p.m. Tuesday. The tide may reach up to half a foot above ground level, which could affect some roads in the area. Flooding is possible about one to two hours before high tide, which will occur just after 10:00 p.m. Tuesday.
This story was originally published September 9, 2025 at 3:11 PM.
