OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — Red flags will be flying at all area beaches, including Oak Island, this weekend.

Hurricane Ernesto poses an increased risk of rip currents as it churns up the Atlantic Ocean. Carl Mauney, head of the Oak Island Lifesaving Station, is doing everything he can to prepare beachgoers.

“We’ve raised our warning flags. We’ve tried to spread the word as widely as possible on social media and other sources that swimming is really not allowed this weekend because of the rip currents. They’re just too strong,” Mauney said.

Mauney suggests that if you see someone in distress in the water, there are some things you can do to help the person in distress.

“If you see someone in distress, the most important thing is not to go into the water without a flotation device because you could be a victim too. Call 911 immediately, that’s important. Oak Island has lifesaving devices on the beach, as do some other beaches. If you’re a strong swimmer and feel comfortable doing so, then by all means grab the device, put it over your shoulder and swim out,” Mauney said.

One of the people at the beach this weekend is Lindsay Schafer, who owns a beach house in Oak Island, with her family. She advises anyone unfamiliar with the water to be cautious about the conditions.

“My best advice would be not to go in the water. But if you have to do it just to cool off, don’t swim out too far, past your knees, and don’t get caught in a current that sweeps you away or anything. Don’t try to fight it, just let yourself be swept along and swim to the side.”