OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine (AP) — Lifeguards on the coast of Maine are reporting more rip currents this summer, prompting them to rescue scores of ocean swimmers.

Old Orchard Beach Lifeguard Capt. Keith Willett says he’s seen more of the dangerous currents this summer than in any of the other 16 years he’s been a lifeguard. His team has had 49 incidents since Sunday.

The Portland Press Herald says this summer’s rip currents have been created by moderately large waves, high tides and new sandbars that formed after a winter of severe erosion.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water that flow away from the land. They can carry unsuspecting swimmers away from shore.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, https://www.pressherald.com