Red flags that ban swimming go up on NJ beaches as Hurricane Erin closes in
With those dangerous conditions in mind, Gov. Phil Murphy is calling for a ban on swimming in the ocean for the next few days.
Top Stories
Hurricane Erin is heading toward New Jersey, which is expected to create dangerous rip currents along the Jersey Shore and possibly coastal flooding.
With those dangerous conditions in mind, Gov. Phil Murphy is calling for a ban on swimming in the ocean for the next few days.
Asbury Park is one of those beach towns that already has posted red flags to keep people out of the water.
The most dangerous surf will likely be during the period of high tide between Thursday and Friday.
Wave heights are expected to double, and the rip current will strengthen.
It may be disappointing for some who want to get in the water on a beautiful beach day, but it’s simply too dangerous.
“Whatever we have today is going to be multiplied by ten because this was just a minor depression. We’re getting those northeast winds pushing a lot of water into a shallow area that water has to go back out and that’s what causes the rip currents,” said Joe Bongiovanni, beach safety supervisor for Asbury Park.
In recent days, two people have died due to dangerous rip currents. One of those deaths took place in Belmar, and the other was in Seaside Heights.
Some beach towns already have put a ban on swimming. Those include Island Beach State Park, Atlantic City, Wildwood and Seaside Heights.
Asbury Park lifeguards normally end their day at 5 p.m.
However, lifeguards will stay on duty after hours to keep people from getting in the water.
