Dozens Rescued From Hurricane-Fueled Jersey Shore Rip Current

JERSEY SHORE — The gloomy and stormy weather this past weekend was more than just unpleasant. It was dangerous for beachgoers, as dozens of swimmers had to be rescued from rough waters.

Rip currents were forecasted along the shore thanks to Hurricane Ernesto, which despite not hitting New Jersey directly still impacted the region. A rip current risk is in store through Monday evening, according to the National Weather Service.

Ventnor City saw waves reaching five to six feet high, according to 6abc Action News. The outlet reported that 17 rescues were made by lifeguards there on Sunday.

And in Ocean City, where beaches closed Sunday due to thunder and lightning, there were at least five major rescues due to rough conditions, Action News reported.

Two men got stuck on a jetty at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, volunteer firefighters said. The fire company had jetskis in the water, while the U.S. Coast Guard had a helicopter.

A rescuer swam out to the rocks and helped the two men up the light post where a Coast Guard member lowered from the helicopter to rescue the men. One had minor injuries and the other was uninjured, firefighters said.

Authorities are warning beachgoers to be careful during these conditions. Even the best swimmers can be caught in rip currents. According to National Weather Service data, 33 people have died in United States surf zones as of Aug. 18. All but one of these deaths was due to rip currents.

Officials say that you should always check the beach forecast before heading out. If you happen to get stuck in a rip current, the National Weather Service says this is what you should do:

• Relax. Rip currents don't pull you under.
• 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. Trying to swim against a rip current will only use up your energy; energy you need to survive and escape the rip current.
• Do NOT try to swim directly into to shore. Swim along 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: If in doubt, don't go out!
• If at all possible, only swim at beaches with lifeguards.
• If you choose to swim on beaches without a lifeguard, never swim alone. Take a friend and have that person take a cell phone so that person can call 911 for help.