'Life-Threatening' Rip Currents On South Shore Nassau Beaches

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Any families hoping to enjoy a last few days at the beach before school starts may have to change their plans today. Life-threatening rip currents in the waters of Nassau County beaches could make going into the surf deadly, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS released a warning about the dangerous rip currents, which is in effect until 8 p.m. tonight. It advised people don't enter the surf zone.

"Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people entering the surf zone," the service said.

The rip current risk is going to increase in the afternoon, and persist through the evening. The warning is in effect for all the beaches along the county's South Shore.

Rip currents form in the water and flow away from the shore. They can move at one to two feet per second, but some have been recorded moving at 8 feet per second. Rip currents can sweep even the most experienced swimmers out into the ocean.

If you get caught in a rip current, do not try to swim against it. Try to relax and float. If you can, swim parallel to the shoreline to get out of the current. If you can't, face the shore and yell and wave for help.

Remember to only swim where lifeguards are present.