Rip currents can happen anytime in the ocean, but are especially likely during hurricane season. Image: Ocean City Beach Patrol

VIDEO: Keep Safe from Rip Currents on Mid-Atlantic Beaches

Rip currents can happen on mid-Atlantic beaches anytime, but they’re getting more attention as the Atlantic hurricane season kicks up. Tropical Storm Henri churned up big waves and powerful currents at the Maryland and Delaware beaches over the weekend, prompting the Coast Guard to warn swimmers and boaters alike about the danger.

Tragically, Ocean City beachgoers saw firsthand how quickly rip tides can turn deadly a few weeks ago, when a 17-year-old Annapolis native died in shallow water.

Cheryl Costello talks to his mother and the Ocean City Beach Patrol about how to avoid rip currents, and how to escape if you end up in one. Watch below: