Hazardous conditions are expected to continue along the Jersey Shore through the Labor Day Weekend. Do you know how to "break the grip" of a rip?

Rip currents are powerful currents of water that flow from the beach out to sea. (ripcurrents.noaa.gov)
Rip currents are powerful currents of water that flow from the beach out to sea. (ripcurrents.noaa.gov)
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All week, we've been discussing the elevated risk of dangerous rip currents, increased swell, and rough surf making for treacherous conditions along the Jersey Shore. Unfortunately, the danger may peak just as New Jersey prepares to celebrate the unofficial close of summer - the Labor Day Weekend.

The Rip Current Risk

According to the American Meteorological Society Glossary of Meteorology, a rip current is defined as "a narrow current in the surf zone flowing seaward from the shore. It usually appears as a visible band of agitated water, caused by the return movement of water piled up on the shore by incoming waves and winds."

Tuesday's rip current risk from the National Weather Service. Yellow indicates a Moderate Risk. (NOAA / NWS)
Tuesday's rip current risk from the National Weather Service. Yellow indicates a Moderate Risk. (NOAA / NWS)
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During the beach season (mid-May to mid-September), daily forecasts are issued, characterizing the risk for dangerous rip currents as Low, Moderate, or High.

Remember that "low risk" does not mean "no risk" - dangerous surf conditions, including rip currents, may occur at any time, even when the ocean appears calm.

What Causes Rip Currents?

In this case, there are two factors contributing to the rough surf:

--On-shore Flow: The usual culprit for rip currents. When a wind blows from the ocean toward the land, it produces strong wave action and surface currents that can rapidly and unexpectedly drag swimmers out to sea. The stronger the wind, the stronger and more frequent the rips.

--Tropical Systems: We are now in the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, and there are now several tropical systems throughout the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. I often describe their effect as "churning up" the entire ocean, which equates to increased swell pushing water from the center of the storm toward the coast. The closer a storm is to the Jersey Shore, the worse the effect on the surf and the rip currents. (And of course, if the storm passes close enough to the coast, the swell and surge could cause coastal flooding.)

Stay Safe, Stay Alive

Common sense goes a long way in staying safe through rough surf conditions. Don't swim alone. Don't swim at night. And don't swim in rough surf if you're not a strong swimmer.

A primer on beach flags, and what they really mean. (ripcurrents.noaa.gov)
A primer on beach flags, and what they really mean. (ripcurrents.noaa.gov)
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Fortunately, when it comes to particularly fierce waves and rough seas, New Jersey's lifeguards and town officials play it safer than in the movie Jaws. If the water is not safe, they will not hesitate to post red flags. Even on a holiday weekend.

The National Weather Service offered a wise warning in their Tuesday morning forecast discussion:

"In terms of safety, follow the advice of local lifeguards who will be observing the waves and swimmers. There may be some beach closures, all dependent on the reality that develops. This is not a time to swim on your own without lifeguard presence. Additionally, waders are cautioned not to turn their backs to the waves when coming out of the water. Wave knock down can result in upper torso injury (dislocations/spinal cord injuries)."

To break the grip of a rip current, swim parallel to the shore and out of the powerful outgoing current. (NOAA / NWS)
To break the grip of a rip current, swim parallel to the shore and out of the powerful outgoing current. (NOAA / NWS)
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If you do get caught in a rip current remember the following tips from the National Weather Service's rip current site:
--Don't fight the current. It's a natural treadmill that travels an average speed of 1-2 feet per second, but has been measured as fast as 8 feet per second—faster than an Olympic swimmer.
--Relax and float to conserve energy. Staying calm may save your life.
--Do NOT try to swim directly into to shore. Swim parallel to the shoreline until you escape the current's pull. When free from the pull of the current, swim at an angle away from the current toward shore.
--If you feel you can't reach shore, relax, face the shore, and call or wave for help. Remember: Wave and yell...swim parallel

Be smart. Be safe. And keep checking with us for your latest Get to the Beach Report for the Jersey Shore!

Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter for the latest forecast and realtime weather updates.

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