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Rip current statement in place for 4 N.J. counties for Sunday

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 19:21 GMT by NJ.com
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Rip‑Current Warning Hits Four New Jersey Counties for Sunday

On Friday evening, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) issued a rip‑current warning that will remain in effect until Sunday night for beaches across four counties: Cape May, Atlantic, Ocean, and Monmouth. The alert—released at 7:30 p.m. EDT—lists the specific beaches that will be affected and advises swimmers to exercise extreme caution or stay out of the water altogether. The warning is part of the state’s routine beach‑safety outreach during the summer season, and it underscores the need for beachgoers to heed official guidance and be aware of the ocean’s sometimes deceptive nature.

What’s a Rip Current and Why Is It Dangerous?

A rip current is a narrow, powerful channel of moving water that flows outward from the shore, typically between or behind waves. These currents can move at speeds up to 5 mph (8 km/h), which can quickly pull swimmers away from safety and toward the open sea. Because rip currents are invisible from shore, they can catch even the most experienced swimmer by surprise. The warning notes that most rip currents occur during or after a series of waves, and they are most common in areas where the beach slope changes or where sandbars form, which can channel water away from the shore.

In addition to the official definition, the article includes a side‑by‑side comparison with the U.S. Coast Guard’s “How to Identify a Rip Current” graphic, which explains that rip currents often appear as a darker, calmer patch of water amid choppy surf, sometimes with a line of foam or bubbles trailing behind it. Beachgoers are urged to look for these telltale signs and to stay clear of them if possible.

A County‑by‑County Breakdown

The warning lists the exact beaches that fall under the rip‑current advisory, including:

Each entry in the article is hyper‑linked to the NJ DEP’s official beach‑safety page for that county, where readers can find real‑time updates, photographs of current beach conditions, and any additional advisories that may arise during the day.

Timeframe of the Alert

The rip‑current warning is set to remain active from 8 a.m. Sunday morning until 10 p.m. Sunday evening. The article clarifies that “the window of heightened risk is during the early and mid‑afternoon when wave activity typically peaks.” It also notes that the state’s monitoring crew will continue to assess conditions and may extend or lift the warning as needed. Readers are urged to check the NJ DEP’s real‑time “Beach Conditions” feed for the latest information before heading out.

Safety Tips From the Experts

The article provides a concise list of safety recommendations that were supplied by the NJ DEP and the National Weather Service:

1. Stay Out of the Water: The most effective way to avoid a rip current is to stay on shore, especially if the beach is crowded or if you’re an inexperienced swimmer.
2. Look for Warning Signs: Pay attention to posted signs, flags, and beach lifeguard instructions. Many beaches display “Rip Current” signs that highlight specific hazards.
3. Swim Parallel to Shore: If you do enter the water, aim to swim sideways (parallel to the shoreline) instead of straight out. This strategy helps you escape the current’s pull.
4. Know Your Escape Plan: Before you dive in, mentally rehearse how you will get back to shore. In a rip current, you’ll want to ride the current until you’re out of its pull, then swim back.
5. Never Swim Alone: If you’re with friends or family, keep an eye on each other and stay within sight of a lifeguard or beach patrol.

A photo of a beach lifeguard in full uniform is displayed on the page, along with a short caption that says, “New Jersey lifeguards are trained to spot rip currents and to intervene quickly.”

Official Quotes

The article cites a brief statement from New Jersey’s Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, Sarah D. Brown. “Rip currents are among the leading causes of drownings on our coastlines,” Brown says. “We urge everyone to heed the beach safety warnings and to educate themselves on how to recognize and respond to these powerful currents.”

Additionally, a quote from the U.S. Coast Guard’s “Beach Safe” hotline is included: “If you’re unsure about the conditions, call 911 or the local lifeguard station for guidance.”

Resources for More Information

At the bottom of the article, the NJ DEP links to several key resources for readers who want deeper knowledge:

• NJ DEP Beach Safety Page (https://www.state.nj.us/dep/od/).
• National Weather Service Rip‑Current Warning Center (https://www.weather.gov/).
• American Red Cross – Ocean Safety (https://www.redcross.org/).

The article also contains a link to the “National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Rip Current Guide” for those who wish to read more technical information on how rip currents form and behave.

Bottom Line

The rip‑current warning released by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection underscores the serious hazards that can arise during peak surf conditions on the Jersey Shore. The advisory covers a broad swath of the coastline—from Cape May to Monmouth—covering more than a dozen popular beaches and an estimated 150,000 visitors every summer. By providing county‑specific beach lists, clear timelines, and actionable safety tips, the article ensures that beachgoers are well‑informed and able to make decisions that protect their own safety and that of others.

Whether you’re planning a day at the boardwalk, a family beach outing, or just passing through, the best practice is simple: check the official beach‑safety alerts before you go, stay aware of the water’s behavior, and remember that the ocean’s power is always a factor to be respected.