OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Hurricane Leslie is gaining intensity well off the coast of Maine., but anyone who hit the beach Sunday saw the effects of the powerful storm.
According to the National Weather Service, coastal Maine could see waves anywhere from four to seven feet high at the peak of the storm between Sunday and Monday. At Old Orchard Beach, waves were around six feet on Sunday. There were several surfers in the water enjoying themselves, but officials are warning swimmers to use caution. They say the waves and rip currents produced by this hurricane are incredibly powerful, and many beaches like Old Orchard don't have lifeguards on duty after Labor Day.
"People are pretty much swimming at their own risk and a lot of people don't know that," Old Orchard Beach Fire Captain Norm Gendron said. "There's no lifeguards on duty so if you get into trouble after Labor Day you're going to have to wait for somebody to call 911.
Officials say if you do get caught in a rip current, the most important thing is not to panic. They say you should not try to fight the current. Instead, swim parallel to shore until you are out of the current.
NEWS CENTER