SWAMPSCOTT, MA — North Shore beachgoers were urged to enter the water with caution on Tuesday after the National Weather Service issued Rip Current Warnings across much of the Massachusetts coast.
The Swampscott Recreation Department issued a specific warning related to the beaches of that town.
The warnings were in effect for coastal Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable and Nantucket counties through 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
"Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water," the NWS said. "Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current.
"If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help."
An 81-year-old New York woman died last week after she was swept away from shore in the ocean off Provincetown.Three swimmers were caught in the rip current at Herring Cove near Hatches Harbor. The U.S. Coast Guard sent a boat and helicopter to aid the rescue, with the Provincetown harbormaster, fire and police departments with the rescue.
Two of the swimmers were found quickly and recovered.
The third victim's body was found floating in the water with the help of the helicopter.
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