Long Beach Closes Waters To Swimming

Because of dangerous rip currents, Long Beach has shut its waters down to swimmers for Wednesday.

The National Weather Service issued a rip current warning for all beaches on Long Island's South Shore. There is a high risk of rip currents which is expected to last into this evening.

Rip currents are strong currents that can pull swimmers away from the shore and out to sea. Rip currents were responsible for the drowning of 10-year-old Ramell McRae, Jr., who died in late June.

The city says the chief of lifeguards will reevaluate the situation later this morning and determine whether to open the water. However, the NWS warning extends into this evening.

Photo: Patch