Rip Current Risk Still Significant For Jersey Shore

JERSEY SHORE, NJ — If you're thinking of heading to the beach this weekend to take one last dip in the ocean before it gets too cold, think hard about that.

The rip current risk is still significant at New Jersey's beaches, the National Weather Service warned. Friday's risk is high, and Saturday's risk level is moderate, according to the rip current forecast.

The Ocean County Sheriff's Office sent out an alert about 3 p.m. Friday again telling people to not swim where there are no lifeguards.

Wave heights were predicted at 3 to 4 feet on Friday, and 2 to 3 feet on Saturday. Low tide at Barnegat Inlet is expected about 5 p.m. Friday. High tide Saturday is at 11:16 a.m. with low tied at 5:49 p.m.

High risk of rip currents means life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf zone; moderate risk means they are possible in the surf zone.

Towns have been patroling and putting up signs telling people to stay out of the water where there are no lifeguards on duty after last weekend when first responders received more than 20 swimmer-in-distress calls and two people died.

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