OUTER BANKS, N.C. (WAVY) — Red flags are flying again on the Outer Banks on Tuesday due to life-threatening rip currents. The National Weather Service warning goes through Tuesday evening at beaches from Duck to Hatteras.

Beachgoers were also warned to stay out of the ocean on Monday due to strong rip currents in Virginia Beach and the whole Outer Banks as Tropical Storm Alex moves through the Atlantic.

High rip currents mean surf is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. In addition to strong rips, the surf was also 5 to 9 feet on Monday.

WAVY Chief Meteorologist Jeff Edmondson was in the water Monday with fellow surfers when they encountered a couple struggling in the water and came to their rescue. They paddled them in to shore to safety. See video of the rescue in the player above.

If you get caught in a rip current, it is best to remain calm and swim parallel to the shoreline to escape the current.

There was also a small craft advisory from Ocean City to Wilmington in effect Monday. Though the advisory was only through 4 p.m. for the southern end, more northern areas have the advisory until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

Read more about Alex and this week’s forecast in Jeremy Wheeler’s weather blog.