LONG ISLAND, NY – A rip current warning is in effect for all of Long Island. A high alert was issued on Monday, but today beaches remain at a moderate warning level.
“Life threatening rip currents are possible. Always swim near a lifeguard and remember to heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems,” the NWS said.
“Do not swim on red-flagged beaches where a lifeguard is not present. Life-threatening rip currents are likely until Tuesday evening & can sweep even the best swimmers away,” the FDNY said to beachgoers in New York City.
“Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. They typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves,” the NWS said. “If you become caught in a rip current, yell for help and remain calm. Do not exhaust yourself and stay afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as you will tire quickly.”