WILDWOOD, NJ — As Hurricane Erin continues to stir up dangerous surf along the East Coast, beachgoers in Wildwood are being told to keep their feet wet — but nothing more. Local officials announced Thursday that the beach remains open, but entering the water is limited to ankle-deep only due to severe rip current threats.
The Wildwood Crest Police Department posted the update just after noon, warning residents and visitors that while sunbathing and walking the shoreline are permitted, all swimming and deeper water activity are off-limits until further notice. There will also be no transport service available on the beach.
“Bathing is restricted to ankle deep water only,” the department stated in a public notice shared on Facebook and X. “There is no transport service. Stay safe!”
Though Hurricane Erin is tracking well offshore, its effects are being felt along the Jersey Shore with strong waves, high tides, and unpredictable surf. No injuries or rescues have been reported in Wildwood so far.
The National Weather Service has placed the entire Cape May County coastline under a high surf advisory and warned of life-threatening rip currents through the weekend.
Lifeguards remain on duty and patrols are expected to increase as crowds continue to gather near the ocean despite the warnings.
Key Points
- Wildwood beaches remain open but water access is limited to ankle-deep only
- Hurricane Erin is offshore but creating dangerous surf and rip current conditions
- No beach transport service is available as a precautionary safety measure
Beachgoers can still soak up the sun in Wildwood, but Hurricane Erin means don’t even think about diving in.
