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Big risk for swimmers at NYC beaches with 'life threatening' rip currents
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Brittany Kriegstein
Published Aug 8, 2023
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Naoko Takagi / Shutterstock
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Aug 8, 2023
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Beachgoers, beware.
The National Weather Service has issued a warning for “life threatening” rip currents at all city beaches Tuesday. Long Island’s coastline from Nassau to Suffolk is also included in the alert, which is expected to last through Tuesday evening.
“Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the surf,” the National Weather Service states on its website. “Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.”
For those who do find themselves getting pulled out to sea, the National Weather Service recommends the following: stay calm and focus on swimming parallel to the shoreline. If that doesn’t work, face the beach and try to wave or yell for help.
Meteorologist Dave Radell said the rip currents are the result of strong winds and some ocean swell caused by a weather system that’s moving through the area this morning.
He said surf heights are expected to reach four to five feet.
Rip currents are usually caused by wind and wave patterns. Winds perpendicular to the shore can combine with wave action to create the phenomenon, Radell explained.
These nuances mean the warning is not in effect for the New Jersey coastline, which faces a different direction from the shores of New York. Today’s winds will be parallel to the Jersey coast, Radell said, meaning the rip current risk will be low to moderate there.
Radell said the system should pass through tonight, with lower surf heights and a much smaller risk of rip currents Wednesday.
Tagged
public safety
coney island
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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