High risk of rip currents at Jersey Shore beaches today

Swimmers may want to use caution if they are thinking about taking a late summer swim with a high risk of rip currents expected on Monday.

The National Weather Service says east-northeast winds of 20 mph will create "dangerous and hazardous conditions" that are "life threatening" to anyone entering the surf. "Surf will be rough along the entire Jersey Shore, with waves forecast to be in the 4 to 6 foot range." adds meteorologist Dan Zarrow.

Many beaches are unguarded during the week and Zarrow urges swimmers to use "caution and common sense" before going into the ocean.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore. which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as jetties and piers.

If you find yourself caught in a rip current, the NWS has some advice to follow:

• Don't fight the current. It's a natural treadmill that travels an average speed of 1-2 feet per second, but has been measured as fast as 8 feet per second—faster than an Olympic swimmer.
• Relax and float to conserve energy. Staying calm may save your life.
• Do NOT try to swim directly into to shore. Swim parallel to the shoreline until you escape the current's pull. When free from the pull of the current, swim at an angle away from the current toward shore.
• If you feel you can't reach shore, relax, face the shore, and call or wave for help. Remember: Wave and yell, swim parallel