Increased risk of powerful rip currents and challenging beach conditions forewarned by New Jersey lifeguards along the coastline
As the summer season kicks off, the Jersey Shore in Atlantic County, New Jersey, is attracting visitors looking to enjoy the beautiful weather and surf. However, the current conditions are challenging, with a high rip current risk.
Swimmers at Granville Beach and Margate are being advised to stay close to shore, and many are heeding the warnings, only dipping their toes in the ocean. Captain Chuck LaBarre, a local lifeguard, has been moving lifeguard stands to create a smaller, safer swimming area over the past few days.
"The ocean appears rough, and the wind is sweeping it down, making it potentially dangerous," said Kevin McHugh, a local resident watching her grandkids.
The focus of the lifeguards is to keep swimmers in a safe area that they can monitor closely. "It's important to only swim when lifeguards are in the stands," emphasized Captain LaBarre.
Margate City Beach Patrol is on high alert with a rip current warning in effect. The surf has been rough, creating challenging conditions. Ellen, who is watching her grandkids, is allowing them to go into the water but not too far.
Rip current safety guidelines for swimming at the Jersey Shore emphasize swimming only in areas with lifeguards, staying calm if caught in a rip current, and following these steps: let the current carry you out away from shore, then swim parallel to the shoreline to escape the current, and finally swim back to shore once free of the current. It is also advised to stay waist-deep or shallower if you are not a confident swimmer and always listen to lifeguard instructions.
Large surf (6-10 feet waves) can be dangerous even for strong swimmers, so caution and respect for beach conditions are critical. Lifeguards also warn that swimming alone should be avoided at all costs.
Some efforts are underway to increase rip current warnings on digital highway signs to alert visitors traveling to the shore.
Ryan Hughes, a new reporter for News Philadelphia, joined in June 2022, has been covering the story. Hughes has previously covered a variety of stories, including the Surfside condo collapse, Hurricane Dorian's impact in the Bahamas, and the Super Bowl in Miami.
In summary, the safest approach at the Jersey Shore is to swim only where lifeguards are present, stay within shallow water if unsure, keep calm if caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore to escape it, and always follow lifeguards' directions.
- Despite the attractive weather and outdoor-living opportunities at the Jersey Shore, swimmers are being advised to heed the warnings and exercise caution, particularly due to high rip current risks.
- As a new reporter for News Philadelphia, Ryan Hughes is covering the ongoing rip current safety concerns at the Jersey Shore, a story that encompasses not only local lifestyle but also concerns for home-and-garden enthusiasts and sports enthusiasts who may visit the area.
- In order to ensure the safety of visitors and residents alike, efforts are being made to increase digital rip current warnings on highway signs, a decision that could greatly impact the lifestyle and safety standards for all who partake in outdoor-living activities, including sports, along the Jersey Shore.
