Cold ocean temperatures greet beachgoers along the Jersey Shore
Belmar lifeguards say the ocean is warming slowly this summer, with water temperatures varying by location and time of day.
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Beachgoers looking to cool off at the Jersey Shore may find the ocean colder than expected.
In Belmar, visitors reported chilly water temperatures, with readings in parts of southern and central Ocean County dipping into the upper 50s.
Harry Harsin, Belmar Beach’s chief lifeguard and safety supervisor, said the water is warming more slowly than usual but remains manageable for swimmers.
“It will be refreshing if you stay in for as long as you can tolerate it. Once they come out they go back out, heat up and jump back in. It is tolerable. The water is warming up very slowly this year,” Harsin said.
Beachgoer Elyse McMahon of Howell said the cold water came as a surprise.
“Oh, it was a shock! Said some choice words that I can’t say on News 12!” McMahon said.
Harsin said ocean temperatures can change by several degrees within a matter of hours and can vary from one beach to another. He advises beachgoers to test the water before rushing in, especially after stepping out of a hot car.
