SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ – A moderate risk of rip currents has been issued for coastal areas stretching from Long Island, New York to Delaware Beaches, Delaware through Monday evening.
The alert, issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, NJ, encompasses Eastern Monmouth, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, and Coastal Ocean areas in New Jersey. It also extends to Delaware Beaches in Delaware.
Rip currents have the potential to pull even experienced swimmers away from the shore and into deeper waters. Lifeguards and weather services are urging beachgoers to exercise caution during the Labor Day weekend.
Preparedness actions include swimming near a lifeguard and following specific safety procedures if caught in a rip current. Swimmers should relax and float instead of swimming against the current. If able, swimmers should move parallel to the shoreline to escape. Those unable to free themselves should signal for help by facing the shore and waving or calling out.