UPDATE: All three Downbeach towns are prohibiting swimming for the next few days.
Hours after Margate issued an advisory prohibiting swimming due to Hurricane Erin, Ventnor and Longport Beach Patrols have followed suit, issuing the same advisory on their social media pages.
MARGATE - The Beach Patrol is advising even the most experienced swimmers, kayakers and surfers to stay out of the ocean this week as Hurricane Erin skirts the East Coast before heading out into the North Atlantic. The massive storm is passing about 500 miles offshore, but the effects will be felt along New Jersey beaches.
In light of recent tragic drownings that have claimed the lives of those swimming after regular beach hours, the Beach Patrol has decided to prohibit swimming and bathing until further notice. A message was posted today on the Beach Patrol's social media advising kayakers and surfers to also stay out of the water. If they must go in, they are doing so at their own risk.
Similar to other public safety professionals such as firefighters and police, who are prohibited from venturing out to rescue others when hurricane wind speeds top 35 miles per hour, lifeguards may not put their own lives at risk to save you.
"This is not a decision that we have come to lightly, but our priority is the safety of our beachgoers and lifeguards," the post stated.
There will be lifeguards on duty, but their main focus will be to keep beachgoers out of the water. This week is a time to view the majestic power of the ocean from a safe spot on the beach.
The Beach Patrol reminds beachgoers that their regular patrol hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and to never go into the ocean after hours, when the risk of drowning in the ocean is increased exponentially.
Forecasters say Erin will bring 10-foot waves, high winds and possible beach erosion, along with tidal flooding during morning and afternoon high tides. Do not drive through flood waters - Turn Around, Don't Drown!
