New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has restricted swimming at three Long Island state beaches due to strong surf, rip tides, and flooding caused by tropical storms.
Officials from New York City also issued a coastal flood alert and cautioned that potentially dangerous rip currents may persist until Thursday. The Parks Department warned avoiding swimming in places without lifeguards, but a representative for the department indicated late Wednesday afternoon that swimming would still be permitted at several municipal beaches.
Due to very high tides, bathing is not permitted at Robert Moses, Jones Beach, Smith Point, Hither Hills, or Long Beach.The rough seas are caused by hurricanes Franklin and Idalia, despite the fact that neither storm is expected to approach New York’s waterways.
“We are continuing to monitor the forecast and currents, and will take appropriate action as necessary,” NYC Parks senior press officer Dan Kastanis said in a statement.
Depending on the beach, swimming may or may not be permitted. In Long Beach, for instance, swimming was prohibited, but wading was permitted. The prohibition is expected to be removed by Saturday if surf conditions improve.
