With Hurricane Erin’s potential impact on the East Coast by way of possible rip currents, it’s important to know how to identify rough surf and stay safe in the water.
According to AccuWeather meteorologists, a powerful offshore hurricane can produce massive and dangerous waves well away from its center.
“Beaches along the entire East Coast, from Florida to New England and Atlantic Canada, will likely experience rough surf and dangerous rip currents as Erin tracks north and eventually northeast,” AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said.
On Thursday, DaSilva said families taking trips to Atlantic beaches between Aug. 15 and Aug. 22 should be careful entering the waters, as over 50 people have been killed by rip currents and rough surf in the U.S. in 2025.
On Thursday, Aug. 14, the National Weather Service warned of a moderate risk of rip currents along Long Island’s South Shore for Saturday. That risk has lessened, but as Hurricane Erin intensifies over the weekend, the potential for rip currents along Atlantic beaches in New York is still a possibility. The NWS has also warned of marine hazards throughout the upcoming week.
How to spot a rip current
Rip currents can be difficult to identify, but according to the Suffolk County rip current safety page, swimmers should look for clues such as:
What to do if caught in a rip current
If caught in a rip current, it’s important to know the following:
Make sure you are confident in your swimming skills before swimming in the surf. “It’s not the same as a pool or a lake,” the Suffolk County rip current safety page says. Don’t swim alone and be aware of your surroundings and where lifeguards are posted. Check for signs and warning flags, which could indicate hazards in the water.
Be cautions and always “assume rip currents are present even if you don’t see them.”
Contributing: lohud’s Alexandra Rivera
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: How to stay safe in Atlantic rip currents as Hurricane Erin strengthens
Reporting by Ashley Catherine Fontones, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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