The Office of Emergency Management has issued an alert for life-threatening rip currents in New York City.

Officials say all people entering the surf zone are likely to encounter the currents from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Thursday.

The agency urges people to refrain from swimming at red-flagged beaches where a lifeguard is not present.

They also remind the public that rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore and into deeper water.

Individuals who find themselves caught in a rip current should always avoid swimming against it.

Officials say the best methods to escape are floating until the current calms or swimming parallel to the shoreline.

For the latest on rip current risks, click here.