Hurricane Erin: NYC seashores to shut for swimming on account of ‘life-threatening’ rip currents

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — New York City is closing all its public seashores to swimmers within the coming days as Hurricane Erin is anticipated to deliver huge waves and life-threatening rip currents to the 5 boroughs.

Mayor Eric Adams introduced that swimming might be prohibited in any respect metropolis seashores on Wednesday, Aug. 20, and Thursday, Aug. 21, although the sand will stay open for guests.

The newest forecasts from the National Weather Service predict harmful rip currents and waves as massive as 13 ft alongside the East Coast.

“We are working with all of our city agencies to prepare for Hurricane Erin and keep New Yorkers safe,” stated Adams. “This storm is expected to create dangerous rip currents and large waves, and so we are closing all city beaches to swimming on Wednesday and Thursday. We are asking New Yorkers to take precautions and please sign up for NotifyNYC for additional updates.”

A social media submit from NYC Emergency Management highlighted the severity of the anticipated circumstances.

“Long period swells from Hurricane Erin are bringing powerful waves to NYC beaches. These waves travel great distances and break with extra force, creating hazardous surf conditions,” the submit reads. “The same swells are generating dangerous rip currents that can sweep swimmers away from shore. These currents are life-threatening, even for strong swimmers.”

City officers stated that lifeguards and Parks Enforcement Patrol officers might be stationed alongside the shoreline to implement the swimming ban.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is our top priority. In consultation with our sister agencies and based on conditions projected by the National Weather Service, NYC Parks is prohibiting access to the water at all beaches on August 20 and 21,” stated NYC Parks Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa. “We strongly urge all New Yorkers to heed these warnings and not risk their lives by entering the water.”