Swimming At Jones Beach Remains Off Limits: Hochul

WANTAGH, NY — Despite Hurricane Erin moving farther away from Long Island, the state beaches, including at Jones Beach State Park, remain closed to swimming, Governor Hochul announced on Friday morning.

Unsafe surf conditions resulting from Erin continue, the state said.

There is also considerable beachfront flooding, which requires beach facilities to begin floodwater assessment and removal.

State Park lifeguards and staff found potentially dangerous high surf, rip currents, coastal flooding and beach erosion earlier this week and determined conditions were not safe for swimming. After additional monitoring, it was determined not to resume swimming at Jones Beach, Hochul said.

“Safety is New York’s top priority and during this hurricane season, and we must ensure that beachgoers aren’t put in harm’s way,” Hochul said. “While Hurricane Erin has left the area, we are unfortunately unable to lift restrictions due to flooding and rough surf along our Long Island coast. We hope to resume swimming in the coming days once conditions improve."

There is a coastal flood advisory and a high surf advisory along Long Island's south shore.

 New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “I’m grateful for the quick and extensive beach and water assessment and monitoring from our Long Island regional staff, lifeguards and Park Police that keep our visitors safe. We urge park visitors to follow all directions from lifeguards and park staff as we continue to assess flood damage and dangerous swimming conditions.”