WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. (WNCN) — Emergency Management officials monitored the progress of Hurricane Imelda on Tuesday and weather impacts throughout New Hanover County and coastal communities, including Wrightsville Beach.

Authorities encouraged people to stay out of the ocean because of a high risk of life-threatening rip currents and dangerously high surf.

“DANGER – NO SWIMMING – $250 Fine” signs were posted along the beaches.

Still, surfers took advantage of the high waves, particularly around Johnny Mercer Pier, off 23 East Salisbury St.

“I’d say it’s pretty gnarly today,” said surfer Jake Witowsky, a Wrightsville Beach native, who couldn’t wait to hang-10.  “We don’t get these long periods with these waves this size that often. So it’s always nice going out here when it’s like this.”

The National Weather Service predicted the surf to reach seven feet here and elsewhere in New Hanover County, along with the high rip current risk in place.

“I think the rip current’s strong here is definitely (the reason) I went out into the water and came back quickly,” swimmer Kenny Conti said. “It was definitely for real.”

Rescuers say the surf zone is dangerous for all levels of swimmers.

“We’re just enjoying the weather and the rough waves,” said Serena Kool.

Kool and her family, along with most beachgoers, heeded the advisories and chose to relax on the sand with the seagulls and pigeons and just watch or record videos of the roaring waves.

“I was hoping for a little more rain, actually,” said Casey Cool. “But I’m also happy that we’re not getting massive flooding, especially for areas that are already in danger because of the lower lying.”

Ocean lifeguards have been riding along the shore, keeping an eye out for any emergencies with rip currents and dangerous surf predicted to stick around for the next few days.

“It’s been a great season so far,” said Witowsky, the surfer.

Witowsky says he is no stranger to getting caught in life-threatening rip currents.

“You know, it’s pretty easy to paddle out of it if you’re on a surfboard. It’s really more major in the water underneath the surface and kind of drags you out. But you just got to stay focused, pay attention,” said Witowsky. “I use the pier as a reference that we can pull it out far.”

The National Weather Service says if you ever get caught in a rip current, if you can swim out of it, do so as calmly as possible or just go with the flow parallel to shore until you regain control.

The good news on Tuesday was that Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue said there were no reports of any rip current rescues.

Emergency management expected overall minimal Imelda impacts over land — possibly some overwash in lower lying areas, while the coastal waters remained choppy and treacherous.