Very Rough Surf Conditions, Rip Current Risk Increases At Ocean County Beaches For Aug. 30, 2016

If you're planning on swimming on Ocean County beaches today, please use extreme caution.

The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards alert, as swells from tropical weather systems will build in Ocean County from tropical weather systems. The alert will last into Wednesday evening, the NWS says.

"The breakers in the beach swimming zone will likely be large," the NWS says. "This will increase the risk for dangerous rip currents and can also knock swimmers and waders into the sand."

Swimmers should swim only in guarded areas patrolled by lifeguards.

"Swimming after the lifeguards go home and where lifeguards do not have you in sight raises the risk of injuries or death due to rip currents," the NWS said.

Always have a flotation device with you in the water and swim only in guarded areas.

Skies will be sunny today with temperatures in the low 80s. Beach winds will be from the east around 10 miles per hour.

The surf will be around three feet, with east swells of two to three feet. The water temperature today is 78 degrees.

There is no lightning threat today. The UV index is an 8, which the NWS considers very high.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet was 6:46 a.m. Low tide will roll in at 12:59 p.m., followed by another high tide at 7:06 p.m.