Dangerous Rip Current Warning Issued For Long Island

LONG ISLAND, NY — A hazardous rip current warning is in effect for Long Island, according to the National Weather Service.

The risk will continue into Wednesday evening throughout southwest Suffolk, southeast Suffolk, southern Nassau counties, as well as southern Queens and Brooklyn.

Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the surf. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water, the service said.

If you enter the surf zone, always have a flotation device with you and swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float, and do not swim against the current.

"If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline," the warning said. "If unable to escape, face the shore and yell or wave for help."