(KRON) -- With a high surf advisory in effect Friday for all Pacific Ocean beaches in the Bay Area and the Central Coast, the National Weather Service (NWS) is urging beachgoers to avoid rip currents. "Knowing what to do in a rip current can save your life," said NWS in a social media post on Thurs day. "Never try to swim against a rip current! Swim parallel to shore, then at an angle towards the beach." Image courtesy of NWS. If caught in powerful currents of water, the NWS also advises the following: Relax, rip currents don't pull you under. Float or tread water if you can't escape. Wave or yell if you need help. ...read more read less