Busy season for lifeguards along the strand in Myrtle Beach

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) — It's been a busy summer for ocean rescues in the Myrtle Beach area, apparently because the hot weather is bringing more swimmers to the beach in a season plagued by rip currents.

"Great weather, I'm sure, increased visitors at the beach and just an abundance of wave energy created the perfect storm," LaCorte said.

Sgt. Philip Cain of Myrtle Beach Beach Patrol sad there have been more longshore currents as well this summer - currents running parallel to the beach which can pull swimmers down the shoreline.