LOS ANGELES, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. National Weather Service is warning beach goers to be aware of the dangers of rip currents and other beach hazards ahead of the Independence Day holiday on Tuesday.

A total of 55 drownings had already occurred this year from rip currents through June 25, according to the weather service.

At least 11 people have drowned after getting caught in rip currents that have been wreaking havoc along the Gulf of Mexico coastline in recent weeks, as rising temperatures have pushed swimmers into cooler waters, according to a New York Times report.

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the United States, as well as along the shores of the Great Lakes.

Experts suggest beach goers to pay attention to warning flags and beach forecasts, and not to panic if they find themselves in a rip current.