New York City officials prohibited swimming at all Brooklyn and Queens beaches this weekend as Hurricane Ernesto disrupts the waves from across the Atlantic Ocean, and beach goers are warned to be cautious of life-threatening rip currents.
Late on Friday, city officials said that swimming and wading would not be permitted at any of the beaches—including the National Park Service-managed Jacob Riis Beach—until Sunday. Authorities reported the possibility of up to six-foot ocean surges and 12-mph wind gusts in addition to rip currents.
“New Yorkers should know the ocean is more powerful than you are, particularly this weekend,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement. “Do not risk your life, or the lives of first responders, by swimming while our beaches are closed.”
The parks department issued a statement stating that lifeguards will continue be on duty and policing the city’s beaches. In order to enforce the swimming restriction, park enforcement personnel will also be stationed along the beach.
Experts advise not fighting a rip current and instead attempting to float or escape by swimming parallel to the coast if one finds themselves in one. Even experienced swimmers can be swept away from beaches by rip currents, which is why the National Weather Service advised individuals in the metro region to avoid surfing as well.
