Folks heading to the beach this summer should be aware of the potential for rip currents. National Weather Service officials report one fatality due to rip currents along our coast in 2014, and a total of at least 58 deaths since 2000. Stay safe with these rip current tips and educational materials. Contact: Katie Mosher, 919-515-9069, katie_mosher@ncsu.edu

A team of researchers, based at the North Carolina Sea Grant office at the University of North Carolina Wilmington Center for Marine Science, is deploying data-logging drifters to document the velocity, circulation and ejection frequency of rip currents. Contacts: Katie Mosher, North Carolina Sea Grant, 919-270-4962, katie_mosher@ncsu.edu Spencer Rogers, North Carolina Sea Grant, 910-962-2491, rogerssp@uncw.edu

In the state of North Carolina, Governor Pat McCrory has proclaimed June 1-7, 2014 as "Rip Current Awareness Week." Contact: Katie Mosher, 919-270-4962, kmosher@ncsu.edu

As Memorial Day approaches, a busy beach season is on the horizon. So, too, is National Rip Current Awareness Week that kicks off June 1 and runs through June 7. Designated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and the U.S. Lifesaving Association, the week promotes educational programs about rip currents — and how to stay safe while enjoying our beautiful beaches. Partners in North Carolina include local lifeguards, North Carolina Sea Grant, National Weather Service forecast offices and beach communities. Contact: Katie Mosher, 919-270-4962, kmosher@ncsu.edu