Wildwood, Atlantic City prohibit swimming as Hurricane Erin approaches

At least two South Jersey shore resorts have banned ocean swimming due to harmful surf situations from the method of Hurricane Erin.

On Aug. 18, Wildwood officers informed beachgoers to remain out of the water altogether.

“This restriction includes after-hours, when lifeguards are off duty,” the town stated in a press release.

Safety ideas: What to find out about current rip currents

A Facebook submit from Atlantic City officials, in the meantime, informed beachgoers that they’re restricted to “knee-deep bathing only, no boogie boards.”

The restrictions “will likely remain in place throughout the week,” Atlantic City Beach Patrol Chief Steve Downey stated Aug. 18.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy warned members of shore communities and beachgoers “to remain vigilant and monitor local forecasts.”

“As Hurricane Erin continues to move through the Atlantic, we are anticipating dangerous surf and rip currents and possible coastal flooding,” Murphy stated.

Wildwood’s assertion famous the warnings in impact for rip currents, excessive surf and hurricane/storm situations.

“These conditions make ocean entry extremely dangerous,” officers stated.

Erin is anticipated to supply life-threatening surf and rip currents alongside a lot of the East Coast over the following a number of days, in accordance with the National Weather Service, aka NWS.

Tropical storm situations and coastal flooding had been potential in North Carolina’s Outer Banks late Tuesday, Aug. 19, the NWS said.

The storm is anticipated to make its closest move to South Jersey on Thursday, Aug. 21, “bringing dangerous rip currents and high surf,” the climate company stated. A small craft advisory is anticipated to be in place via Friday, Aug. 22 “as seas associated with Hurricane Erin gradually build, peaking up to 15 feet on Thursday.”

Seas of 5-8 ft are anticipated via many of the night time on Wednesday, Aug. 19, “with 10 to 15 (feet) seas anticipated Thursday morning through early Friday morning,” it stated. The churning surf ought to “gradually” wane into the weekend.

The restrictions are wanted to guard the general public, “including those who may be called to perform a rescue,” the NWS assertion stated. People are requested to “please stay on the sand until the storm passes later this week.”

“No lifeguards, no swimming. It’s that simple,” stated Steve Mikulski, Wildwood’s commissioner for public security.

Advisories are to be up to date on Facebook pages for Wildwood and the Wildwood Beach Patrol, in addition to on the town’s X account.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.