A rupture current statement was issued at 3:30 a.m. Thursday by the National Weather Service, valid from 6 a.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Monday for Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The weather service says: “Dangerous rip currents are expected.”

“Rip currents can carry even the best swimmers from shore to deeper water,” the weather service says. “Swim near a lifeguard. If you get caught in a rip current, relax and float. Do not swim against the current. If you can, swim in a direction that follows the shore. If you are unable do not escape, face the shore and call or signal for help.

Controlling rip currents: your safety guide

Rip currents, fast-moving channels of water that flow away from shore at surf beaches, can turn a day at the beach into a dangerous situation. Understanding how to react when caught in one is crucial. The weather service offers these tips to save lives:

Stay calm – they won’t drag you down:

Don’t panic: rip currents won’t pull you underwater.

Don’t swim against the tide:

Trying to swim straight to the beach when caught in a rip current is futile and exhausting. The current is too strong. Instead, swim parallel to the shore and away from the grip of the rip current.

Call for help if necessary:

If you can’t reach the shore, try to relax. Turn to face the shore, tread water and signal for help by shouting or waving your arms. This increases your visibility to potential rescuers.

Look for supervised beaches for added safety:

If possible, swim only on supervised beaches.

Never swim alone on unsupervised beaches:

If you choose to swim at beaches without a lifeguard, never swim alone. Take a friend and have them grab a cell phone so they can call 911 for help.

Rip currents are formidable natural forces, but knowing how to respond can significantly increase your chances of safely navigating these difficult waters. Stay informed, stay vigilant and prioritize safety when enjoying surfing.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.