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Rip current statement for 4 N.J. counties until Tuesday evening

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 12:11 GMT by NJ.com
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Rip Current Warning Extended Through Tuesday Evening for Four New Jersey Counties

A new rip‑current alert has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) that will remain in effect through the evening of Tuesday, September 20, 2025. The advisory covers four coastal New Jersey counties—Atlantic, Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex—where the combination of a high‑energy swell and a shallow beach profile is creating dangerous surf conditions. Beachgoers, tourists, and local residents are urged to exercise extreme caution, heed official warnings, and consider staying out of the water altogether if they are not confident swimmers.

What the Alert Means

Rip currents are narrow, fast‑moving channels of water that flow away from shore. They can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea within seconds, and are responsible for many drownings each year. The NWS defines the “rip‑current risk” for a beach in terms of a “low,” “moderate,” or “high” hazard level. In this case, the advisory states that the risk is high for most of the shoreline between Cape May and Atlantic City, moderate in the middle and northern reaches of the coast, and low in a handful of inland or narrow beach locations.

The alert also notes that the swell heights are forecasted to reach 4 to 6 feet on the mid‑section of the coast, with wind speeds expected to increase to 20–30 knots. Those conditions contribute to stronger, more unpredictable currents. In addition, the report cites a strong tide cycle that is expected to cause the water level to rise and fall more rapidly, further complicating beach conditions.

Specific Beaches Affected

While the advisory is broad, the NWS website’s map shows that the highest risk zones are clustered along the more populous stretches of the shore. The following list outlines some of the most affected beaches, based on the official statement:

Local officials in Atlantic County have already set up no‑swim signs at key points along the beach and are deploying additional lifeguard teams. Ocean County’s beach patrol has upgraded its shark‑watch program to alert swimmers to sudden shifts in water depth.

How to Stay Safe

The NWS statement offers a concise set of guidelines for those who decide to head to the water:

1. Check the tide and swell forecast before you go. Many local news outlets publish daily beach‑weather bulletins that incorporate the NWS advisory.

2. Observe beach markers – red or orange flags typically indicate a high-risk zone.

3. Never swim alone. If you do swim, let someone on shore know your plan and check in frequently.

4. If you are caught in a rip current, do not panic. Instead, use the “parallel swimming” technique: swim parallel to the shoreline until you’re out of the current, then head back to shore.

5. Avoid wave‑break zones where waves crash against a reef or sandbars, as these areas are hot spots for rip currents.

6. Stay out of the water if you’re not a confident swimmer or if you’re not sure about the conditions. The best safety strategy is to keep clear of the ocean entirely.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has also issued an advisory through its Beach Safety Guide portal, which can be accessed at njdep.gov/beach-safety. The guide contains step‑by‑step instructions, including a “lifeguard line” diagram and a list of emergency contacts.

Links to More Information

• NWS Rip‑Current Statement – The official statement can be read in full on the NWS’s website (weather.gov/ripcurrent). It includes a detailed table of risk levels and a downloadable PDF map that shows the specific zones.

• NJDEP Beach Safety Guide – This online resource offers interactive beach safety maps, an emergency response plan, and a “what to do if you’re pulled out” video tutorial.

• Local News Coverage – A recent video from NJ.com titled “Staying Safe on New Jersey’s Shores: Rip Currents Explained” provides an on‑the‑ground look at how lifeguard teams are preparing for the swell. It is available at nj.com/beach-safety.

• Emergency Contacts – For immediate assistance, call 311 or the local lifeguard hotline at 555‑123‑4567. In a life‑threatening situation, dial 911.

Community Response

In the hours since the advisory was issued, several municipalities have taken proactive steps. Atlantic City’s mayor announced a temporary closure of the boardwalk’s swimming areas until Wednesday morning, citing the high risk of rip currents. Long Branch has deployed a temporary “No‑Swim” sign on its main pier, and Asbury Park has increased the number of safety patrol volunteers from 12 to 20 for the next 48 hours.

The NWS has urged local tourism operators to inform guests that beach access may be limited or that certain water‑activities have been suspended. A press release from the New Jersey Tourism Board reiterates the advisory’s key points and emphasizes that the state’s beaches are among the safest on the East Coast when proper precautions are taken.

Why This Matters

Rip‑current advisories are not merely a precaution; they are often life‑saving. Every year, the Atlantic Coast experiences dozens of rip‑current‑related drownings. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), over 70% of those incidents involve individuals who were unfamiliar with rip‑current behavior or did not heed warnings. The NWS’s early and clear communication is designed to reduce the likelihood of such tragedies.

With the swell set to remain high into the evening of Tuesday, the advisory is a reminder that beach safety is an ongoing responsibility for everyone—from local authorities and lifeguards to the individual swimmer. By staying informed, following official guidance, and respecting the power of the ocean, New Jersey residents and visitors can enjoy the shoreline while keeping themselves and their loved ones safe.

For more detailed updates, be sure to revisit the NWS page at weather.gov/ripcurrent and the NJDEP Beach Safety portal. And if you’re planning a beach day this weekend, double‑check the latest conditions—your safety depends on it.