Rough Surf, Rip Currents Shut Island Beaches to Swimmers

Strong surf and rip currents kept swimmers out of the water Friday across Ocean County. Most communities were not allowing swimming. Seaside Heights was playing audible warnings on its public address system, threatening fines for anyone who entered the surf.

Rough surf and large waves off Brick Township, Ocean County, N.J., Sept. 10, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Rough surf and large waves off Seaside Heights, Ocean County, N.J., Sept. 10, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

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Rough surf and large waves off Seaside Heights, Ocean County, N.J., Sept. 10, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

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Rough surf and large waves off Brick Township, Ocean County, N.J., Sept. 10, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

The National Weather Service has issued a rip current advisory for the area through Saturday evening, calling for “dangerous and life-threatening” rip currents.

“Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people entering the surf zone,” the advisory stated. “Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.”

A ‘no swimming’ flag posted. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Rough surf and large waves off Brick Township, Ocean County, N.J., Sept. 10, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Rough surf and large waves off Brick Township, Ocean County, N.J., Sept. 10, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

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Rough surf and large waves off Brick Township, Ocean County, N.J., Sept. 10, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Entering the surf is discouraged since most lifeguards are off-duty, the NWS statement said. If caught in a rip current, the Weather Service’s advice is to “relax and float.”

“Don`t swim against the current,” it stated. “If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.”