Wilton Beachgoers: Rip Tide Danger is High According to National Weather Service

The National Weather Service issued a warning on Wednesday urging swimmers to use caution when swimming in the ocean today.

A "High Risk of Rip Currents at Atlantic Beaches on Wednesday" means that the surf is dangerous for all levels of swimmers.

"Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. They typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves," the NWS said in a statement.

"If you become caught in a rip current, yell for help and remain calm. Do not exhaust yourself and stay afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as you will tire quickly."

A Port Chester woman died after getting caught in rip current in New Jersey last weekend.

Kristi Pisano, 24, of Port Chester and her boyfriend were staying at the Mariner's Inn when they decided to take a swim on an unguarded beach in the Spray Beach section of Long Beach Township on Saturday morning, said spokesman Al Della Fave. They were planning to attend the man's sister's wedding that afternoon, he said.

Read more here.

Watch the National Weather Service's YouTube safety channel here.

Photo by Wendy Ann Mitchell