Officials warn beachgoers about dangers of rip currents following deaths in Belmar and Seaside Heights
The incidents happened just days apart when lifeguards were no longer on duty.
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Lifeguards across the Jersey Shore are warning beachgoers about the dangers of rip currents after two people died this week in Belmar and Seaside Heights.
The incidents happened just days apart when lifeguards were no longer on duty.
Neighboring Beach Patrol in Asbury Park says they have had their fair share of rip current rescues this season, but have been spared from a tragedy.
Guards are closely monitoring the water, looking for churning water, different colored water, and breaks in waves, all of which are signs of rip current activity.
"People in waist-deep water. That set comes in, then all of a sudden, they're in either chest-deep or higher water. They lose contact with the bottom, and if you're not a good swimmer, that rip current is going to pull you right out," said Joe Bongiovanni, Asbury Park Beach Patrol supervisor.
Hurricane Erin is not expected to make landfall. However, it will create dangerous surf mid to late next week.
Lifeguards advise anyone who is caught in a rip current to swim parallel to the beach to get out of the rip current. For those who can't remain calm, lifeguards recommend to stay afloat until they can be rescued.
Beachgoers are advised to only swim when a lifeguard is on duty.
