Staying Safe Down The Shore Amid Rip Current Concerns
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (CBS) - If you're down the shore this weekend, BE CAREFUL! A rip current advisory remains in effect.
This has been a big concern for swimmers at the beach all week. Atlantic City Beach Patrol Lieutenant John Ammerman says lifeguards have been busy lately:
"Over the course of the week I believe we've had just about 100 rescues. That's probably a little more than double what we would normally have."
It's simply that time of year he says:
"When we get into August it always gets a bit more active. The weather patterns start to change and we get this kind of ocean."
So to ensure you stay safe...
"The best advice is to always swim right in front of the lifeguard and to avoid any obstructions (piers, rock piles, etc.)," says Ammerman.
But if you do get caught in a rip current, he says never fight it, just relax and let it take you:
"Rip currents usually only run ten, 20, 30 yards out, so if a person can get by the initial panic, it usually gives the lifeguards enough time to get to them."
And he adds pay attention to advisories, because while the situation isn't as bad now as it was the first few days of the month, it could worsen again very soon.