At 3:16 a.m. on Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued an updated rip current statement valid from 6 a.m. until Wednesday 9 p.m. for Suffolk and Nassau counties.
“Life-threatening rip currents expected,” explains the weather service. “More widespread beach erosion is possible with the Thursday evening and Friday morning high tide cycles. The High Surf Advisory and High Rip Current Risk will likely need to be extended through Friday with future updates.”
“Life-threatening swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. 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,” says the weather service. “Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. 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. If unable to escape, face the shore and yell or wave for help.”
Navigating rip currents: Your survival manual
Rip currents, those swift-moving channels of water flowing away from the shore at surf beaches, can pose a serious threat to beachgoers. These currents vary in speed and can swiftly become perilous for anyone venturing into the surf. Even strong swimmers can find themselves overpowered by the force of a rip current. It’s essential to know how to respond if you’re caught in one. Here’s what you need to do, based on guidance from the weather service:…