VB Oceanfront closed to swimmers

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is closed to swimmers through Sunday, according to Captain Tom Gill with Virginia Beach Lifesaving Services .

The red flags have been flying since Thursday at the Oceanfront. Lifeguards have already had to rescue several people from rip currents, as higher seas continue to roll in.

"We're trying to keep them totally out of the water, but it's hard battle to fight. People want to come down here and go to the beach especially when the waves are big," Virginia Beach Lifesavings Lieutenant Chris Kahler. "[At] about three o'clock we had about 15 victims and total with about 10 rescues."

Kahler says right after that the decision was made to shut the beach down, only the surfers were allowed to brave the huge swells. And even the most experienced swimmers said the water is no place to be.

"I would say don't go out in the water unless you know what you're doing," said swimmer Nick Lynehan.

Lifeguards don't plan to reopen swimming until Bill moves further away. They are preparing for a busy weekend as bigger surf moves in.

Captain Gill told WAVY.com, "For swimmers it's certainly going to mean they're probably not going to get in the water...You'll be able to walk along the shoreline about ankle deep."

As for those looking to surf, Captain Tom Gill says, "It's a great thing for good surfers. Good surfers with a leash that have a strong knowledge and can handle these conditions. This is not going to be the weekend for the beginner, novice surfer."

He adds that you should not overestimate your abilities if you don't have a lot of experience on the water.

Long-time surfer Chris Crockett views Friday's waves almost as a warm up for what's ahead: possibly the best surf weekend of the summer. And this is the sneak preview.

"Fun surf. Pretty descent winds. Pretty heavy rips," said Crockett. "If you're a swimmer I would strongly recommend staying out of the water."

But the waves come with a warning and the dangerous power of the water, likely to get stronger as the hurricane tracks off the East Coast.

Virginia Beach Emergency Management officials told us they will continue to monitor the storm.

Be sure to stay with WAVY.com and WAVY News 10 for the latest on Hurricane Bill and it's impact on Hampton Roads.