HORRY COUNTY -- Horry County police say beaches on the north end of Horry County are now closed for swimming. The closure runs from Shore Drive to Ocean Creek.
They say rip currents are becoming more common, especially in the restaurant row area, as Hurricane Irene gets closer.
Lifeguards have pulled approximately six people out of the ocean. All six were caught in rip currents. Lifeguards are asking all swimmers to stay in knee deep water.
"If you find yourself caught in a rip current, you should swim parallel to the shore until you are out. Trying to swim to the shore will only drag you out further," says Lt. Jack Stewart, Deputy Commander of the South Precinct.
