High Rip Current Risk, Wave Heights Increase At Ocean Beaches

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - Forget about ocean swimming today.

The rip current risk at Ocean County beaches remains high, as it has been over the last several days. That means dangerous and life-threatening conditions exist for anyone who goes in the water.

"People visiting the beaches should stay out of the high surf," the National Weather Service says.

Check with your local beach patrols about spots to avoid. Many may forbid swimming when conditions are this bad. Never, ever swim on an unguarded beach and never swim alone or at night. There have been too many ocean drownings this summer already. Don't add your name to the list.

Waves today will be as high as 9 feet, with southeasterly swells of 5 feet. The ocean water temperature is 73 degrees.

Skies will be cloudy today, with showers and a chance of thunderstorms. The high will be around 80. Winds will be from the southeast at 15 to 20 miles per hour. The lightning threat is moderate, which means thunderstorms are possible.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet arrived at 5:11 a.m. Low tide will roll in at 11:22 a.m., followed by another high tide at 5:37 p.m.

Photo: Courtesy of Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol