Seaside Heights, NJ – The National Weather Service has issued a High Rip Current Risk for much of the Jersey Shore, including Seaside Heights, warning that dangerous ocean conditions are expected throughout Monday.
The advisory remains in effect from 8 a.m. through Monday evening for the beaches of Eastern Monmouth County, Coastal Ocean County, Coastal Atlantic County and Atlantic Coastal Cape May County. Officials warn that powerful rip currents can quickly pull swimmers away from shore, even in otherwise calm-looking surf.
According to the National Weather Service, “Dangerous rip currents expected.”
Swimmers urged to use extreme caution
Rip currents are narrow, fast-moving channels of water that flow away from the shoreline and can quickly carry swimmers into deeper water.
The Weather Service warned, “Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.”
Beachgoers are encouraged to swim only at guarded beaches and pay close attention to posted warning flags throughout the day. Ocean conditions can change rapidly as tides, winds and wave action fluctuate.
Safety advice for anyone entering the surf
The National Weather Service advises anyone entering the ocean to always have a flotation device and remain near a lifeguard whenever possible.
Officials also reminded swimmers to follow posted beach flags and safety instructions. If caught in a rip current, the agency advises people to remain calm, float instead of fighting the current and swim parallel to the shoreline if able.
“If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help,” the advisory states.
High risk covers popular Jersey Shore destinations
The advisory includes some of New Jersey’s busiest summer beaches, including communities throughout Coastal Ocean County such as Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, Ortley Beach, Lavallette, Point Pleasant Beach and Long Beach Island.
The warning also extends south through Atlantic County beach communities, including Atlantic City and Brigantine, and into Cape May County, while also covering ocean beaches in eastern Monmouth County.
The High Rip Current Risk remains in effect through Monday evening. The National Weather Service will continue monitoring ocean conditions and could issue additional statements if hazardous surf conditions persist.
Anyone planning to visit the beach should check the latest forecast before entering the water and follow directions from lifeguards and local beach patrols.
This report is based on the Coastal Hazard Message issued Monday morning by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly for coastal New Jersey.
Rip currents are among the leading causes of weather-related fatalities at ocean beaches each year. Public safety officials urge swimmers to respect beach warning flags, swim only where lifeguards are present and stay out of the water if conditions become hazardous.
