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ATLANTIC BEACH, N.C. — Life guards in Atlantic Beach are warning beach goers of the dangerous surf in advance of Hurricane Earl.

Red Flags are flying on the beach meaning swimmers should not go in past their knees. Hurricane Earl is still well off shore in the Atlantic but rip currents and rough seas will be the first effects felt along the North Carolina coast. Lifeguards say the water changed dramatically in a matter of hours.

"This morning about 9 o clock it was real flat and glassy maybe 2 or 3 foot waves, now the surfs up to over head 6 feet and its probably only gonna get bigger from here," said William Mercep, Atlantic Beach head lifeguard.

Atlantic Beach lifeguards expect to be flying red flags through Friday.