Rip-current warning issued for Saturday

Long Island beachgoers should be wary of potentially dangerous rip currents Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency said there is a "moderate risk of rip currents" at ocean-facing beaches through Saturday night.

The National Weather Service issued several rip current safety tips:

* Swim at lifeguard-protected beaches.

* Never swim alone.

* Learn how to swim in the surf. It's not the same as swimming in a pool or lake.

* Be cautious at all times. If in doubt, don't go out.

* Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water.

* Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties, where permanent rip currents often exist.

* Consider using polarized sunglasses. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean's surface.

* Pay especially close attention to children and elderly. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.

If caught in a rip current, the agency urges swimmers to:

* Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.

* Never fight against the current.

* Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off and that you need to step to the side of.

* Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle -- away from the current -- toward shore.

* If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim toward shore.

* If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.