NYC beaches closed to swimming due to Hurricane Ernesto's high rip current risk. Maps show latest path.
NEW YORK – All beaches in Brooklyn and Queens, along with Jacob Riis Beach, are closed to swimming through Monday due to expected dangerous rip currents caused by Hurricane Storm Ernesto.
New York City Parks and the National Park Service said lifeguards are on duty and patrolling beaches from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Parks enforcement staff is posted along the coastline to enforce the swimming ban. City Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue also cited the continued use of drones over the ocean.
"New Yorkers should know the ocean is more powerful than you are, particularly this weekend. Do not risk your life, or the lives of first responders, by swimming while our beaches are closed," Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement.
Red flags were seen along the beach in Coney Island on Sunday, warning swimmers to stay close to shore.
"I think it's pretty scary. If you got pulled into a rip current that would be terrifying," said Cabell Faulkner, who family was visiting from Maryland.
"First, when we came down here, we didn't realize why it was no swimming," Brent Faulkner added.
Many got their feet wet as lifeguards kept a close eye out for anyone going too far in.
"They are very active with their whistles if people getting a little too deep. We were told not much higher than ankle," Brent Faulkner said.
The city said rip currents can pull even the strongest swimmer out to see in a matter of seconds.
"It looks like a little scary. I wouldn't go into the water because sometimes it can really pull you in, you know?" said Danilla Bavbieklva of the East Side.
Despite the swim ban, many beach goers were content to relax and enjoy what's left of summer.
"I like to take a deep breath by the sea water," said Jackie Diaz of Sunset Park.
Tracking Hurricane Ernesto
Hurricane Ernesto made a landfall in Bermuda on Saturday morning as a Category 1.
After weakening back down to a tropical storm, Ernesto again became a hurricane Sunday as it churned away from the northern Caribbean and headed farther into the Atlantic Ocean, sending powerful swells rolling toward the U.S. East Coast and generating "dangerous beach conditions," forecasters said.
Thankfully, Ernesto will not deliver any direct impacts to our region, but there will be some noticeable indirect impacts, mainly along our shoreline, even with the storm passing 600 miles to the east.
The greatest concern will be the threat of dangerous rip currents that will last through the weekend. Very high surf, with wave heights ranging from 5 to 10 feet, will likely keep many swimmers out of the water.
The pounding surf may lead to some erosion of the beaches. Coastal flooding may also become an issue as the high waves work in conjunction with the approaching full moon on Monday. Winds will turn gusty, especially along the immediate coast, with gusts between 25 to 30 mph.
How to get out of a rip current
The National Weather Service is predicting 5-8 foot waves at beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and is advising beachgoers this weekend to completely stay out of the surf.
When rough seas roll in, lifeguards can do 50 rescues per day at Jones Beach Field 6. Add in a nearly full moon this weekend, and they're reminding beachgoers that rip currents can quickly sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.
You may not see the rip tide – it can look like a discoloration in the water – but you will feel it.
"The best way I can describe it is this – imagine someone tied a rope around your waist and they went out really deep ... and someone started pulling that rope," said Ryan Davidoff, a lifeguard at Jones Beach.
"Within the span of about five or 10 seconds, you will get pulled out to the point where you will try to swim in to save your life," said Andrew Diano, a lifeguard at Jones Beach.
Do not try to fight the rip and swim against it back to shore; you'll waste energy.
"You're going to swim parallel to the beach and escape the rip. Swim to the side of the rip out of that discolored water, and usually at the point, you'll have lifeguards on your way," said Luke Olsen, a boatswain at Jones Beach.
Only swim where and when lifeguards are present.
Tri-State weather this weekend
Sunday: Some of the rain may be heavy at times, and totals may exceed 2 inches for some locations.
Monday: Mostly cloudy and humid with showers and storms. Highs in the low to mid 80s.
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