Ocean County Beach Report: High Rip Current Risk, Dangerous Seas

There's one word for anyone thinking about taking a dip in the ocean today. Don't.

The sun is out and the weather is warm for late September. But the National Weather Service is calling for a high risk of rip currents today, which means dangerous and life-threatening conditions exist for anyone who goes in the water.

There are very few guarded beaches anywhere. Two people have died - a man in Long Branch and a woman in Asbury Park - because they went swimming on unguarded beaches over the past few days.

"People visiting the beaches should stay out of the high surf," the NWS says

Wave heights on Ocean County beaches will be 5 feet, with southeasterly swells of 3 feet. The ocean water temperature is 71 degrees.

Skies will be sunny today, with a high around 80 degrees. Winds will be from the north, switching over to the east in the afternoon.

The ultraviolet index is a 6, which the NWS considers high. There is no lightning threat.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet will roll in at 11:18 a.m. Low tide will arrive 5:42 p.m., followed by another high tide at 11:38 p.m.

Photo: Patch file photo