As millions of Americans prepare to kick off summer with a trip to the shore this Memorial Day weekend, the National Weather Service is sounding the alarm on a hidden danger lurking just offshore. Two states—New Jersey and Delaware—are under a high-risk advisory for rip currents, and officials are urging everyone to keep safety front of mind.
On Friday morning, forecasters warned that conditions along the Jersey Shore and Delaware Beaches are ripe for powerful rip currents, which can sweep even the strongest swimmers out to sea in seconds. With water temperatures still hovering in the chilly 50s to low 60s, the added threat of hypothermia makes this weekend’s beach plans especially treacherous.
“A rip current is 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,” the National Weather Service said in its advisory. “Trying to swim against a rip current will only use up your energy; energy you need to survive and escape the rip current.”
So what should you do if you get caught in one? The experts are clear: do not panic. Fighting the current head-on is a losing battle. Instead, swim parallel to the shoreline until you’re out of the current’s grip, then angle back toward the beach. If you can’t make it, float on your back to conserve energy and signal for help.
This advisory isn’t the only weather alert making headlines this holiday weekend. Earlier this week, a beach warning was issued for four states as Memorial Day weekend kicked off, highlighting the broad reach of dangerous coastal conditions. Meanwhile, severe thunderstorms have been threatening parts of the country, including a tornado threat looming over five states on Friday.
For those planning to hit the sand in New Jersey or Delaware, here’s a quick refresher on rip current survival:
- Stay calm. Relax and float to conserve energy.
- Don’t fight it. Never swim directly against the current.
- Swim parallel. Move along the shoreline until you’re free of the pull.
- Signal for help. If you can’t reach shore, call out or wave for assistance.
The National Weather Service expects the high-risk advisory to remain in effect for the next several days, so beachgoers should check local conditions before heading out. And remember: even if the water looks calm, rip currents can form without warning.
Beyond the beach, this weekend is packed with action across the sports world. For fans looking for a break from the sand, there’s a nonstop feast of racing from Indy to Charlotte that promises plenty of thrills. But for now, the top priority is making sure everyone returns home safely from the shore.
Soak up the sun, enjoy the holiday, and keep an eye on the surf. A little caution goes a long way toward ensuring this Memorial Day weekend is one to remember—for all the right reasons.
