Beach businesses express concern over swimming ban caused by Hurricane Franklin
Swimming was prohibited from Long Beach to Montauk Wednesday due to the impacts of the storm.
Some waterfront businesses could be impacted by Hurricane Franklin heading into Labor Day weekend.
Swimming was prohibited from Long Beach to Montauk Wednesday due to the impacts of the storm.
VIDEO: Hurricane Franklin impacts Long Island with high rip current risk
The manager of Beach Burger, Jerry Anselmo, says his Long Beach restaurant was slower than usual because of the ban on swimming.
“It definitely quiets down our business for sure,” Anselmo says. “We look forward to the out-of-towners coming in. They see this type of situation, they back off.”
A concert held Wednesday also had to be moved away from the water because of the high waves.
The ban was in effect because of strong rip currents caused by Hurricane Franklin in the Atlantic Ocean.
Swimming was also off limits at state park beaches and Cupsogue Beach in Suffolk County.
The volleyball courts at the Salt Shack on Cedar Beach in Babylon were turned into a lake because of the rough surf that caused some flooding.
Despite the issues caused by the weather, Salt Shack General Manager Bill Schwegler says everyone should enjoy the remainder of the season.
“It’s a seasonal business so all the weekends are important,” Schwegler says. “But this is the final hurrah for everybody so you like to go out with a big bang.”
It is not yet clear when swimming will be allowed to resume at those beaches. A decision will be made on Thursday.
In the Town of Babylon, swimming was allowed Wednesday, but was strongly discouraged.
PHOTOS: Flooding at Cedar Beach
