Seaside Park, NJ – Dangerous surf driven by Hurricane Erin has shut down all swimming and Mobile Sport Fishing Vehicle access at Island Beach State Park through at least Thursday, as state officials warn of hazardous water conditions and elevated rip current risks along the Jersey Shore.
The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry issued the advisory on Monday evening, confirming that strong easterly winds and turbulent surf had rendered conditions unsafe for swimmers, surfers, and beach buggy drivers. While walking access to the beach remains available for fishing, vehicle-based surf fishing will remain closed through Tuesday, with conditions to be reevaluated Wednesday morning.
Despite sunny skies and mild air and water temperatures—hovering around 70 and 73 degrees respectively—officials raised a green-over-red flag warning Tuesday morning, indicating dangerous surf conditions and an outright ban on swimming, surfing, and boogie boarding.
“Hurricane Erin is expected to cause dangerous rip currents along the Shore for the next several days. Please avoid swimming in the ocean, especially when lifeguards are not present. It is more important that you stay alive than get one more beach day before the end of summer,” Governor Phil Murphy said.
Hurricane Erin, currently churning in the Atlantic, is not forecast to make landfall but continues to send powerful swells toward the coastline. The heightened wave activity has created treacherous currents and beach erosion concerns across the region, prompting precautionary closures across multiple shore towns.
Island Beach State Park, a popular destination during late summer months, has seen an influx of visitors in recent days as families squeeze in final trips before the school year begins. However, park officials are urging visitors to follow the temporary restrictions, citing ongoing risks tied to offshore storm activity.
According to park management, high tide is expected at 5:00 p.m., with low tide occurring around 10:40 a.m. Hazardous conditions may persist depending on the trajectory of Hurricane Erin and local wind patterns.
State agencies will continue to monitor ocean conditions and release updates daily. All mobile beach access will remain suspended until at least Thursday. No timeline has been offered for full program restoration.
Key Points
- Hurricane Erin is causing dangerous surf, suspending swimming and beach buggy access at Island Beach State Park
- All water activities are banned through at least Thursday, with only walk-on fishing allowed
- Conditions will be reassessed daily based on storm patterns and ocean safety
Dangerous surf halts beach activity at popular Jersey shore park amid Hurricane Erin’s offshore impact