Dangerous rip currents threaten Shore weekend
Heading to the beach this weekend? There’s plenty of fun to be head, but water safety is paramount.
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Although this weekend should be filled with sunshine, dangerous rip currents are making for a challenging weekend down the Shore.
Many beaches, including Ocean Grove, restricted bathing areas.
Red flags, indicating hazardous swim conditions will likely be placed up and down the Shore.
“The water was definitely rougher today,” said Gennine Wittreich, of East Windsor. “We usually can go out 20-ish feet with our kids, but because of the high waves, we definitely had to stay closer in.”
Lifeguards could be seen calling swimmers back repeatedly and had to rescue several beach goers. They were told not to venture out too far. “Even though we wanted to spend the day with the kids here, we also wanted to be safe and careful,” said Wittreich.
Ocean rescue lifeguard Dan McKirnan advises people not to swim near the jetties, as they can be most dangerous during these types of conditions. He also advises swimmers to pay close attention to lifeguard whistles and designated swim areas.
“If you’re getting pulled out really far, either don’t do anything, just let it take you out, or swim horizontal to the shore if you feel like you’re equipped enough and have enough energy,” said McKirnan. “Whatever you do, don’t fight it, because you’ll tire yourself out. The waves will continue to be choppy and, unfortunately, can take you under.”
With sunny skies and low humidity expected to draw big crowds, rescue crews are urging everyone to follow these key safety tips:
- Only swim in areas where there are lifeguards.
- Stay waist deep or shallower, especially if you aren’t a confident swimmer.
- If caught in a rip current, stay calm.
- Let the current carry you out, then swim parallel to the shoreline, if you can.
- Listen to lifeguard instructions.
“We get a lot of people saying they can swim and sure, you can. But surf that’s 6, 8, 10 feet high? That can be dangerous for anyone,” McKirnan said. “The best lifeguard is a dry lifeguard. We want to keep you in safe areas so you can enjoy the rest of your day.”
Some lifeguards are calling for the Department of Transportation to post warnings on digital highway signs to caution drivers as they head down to the shore.
