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NY weather: Rip current statement affecting part of New York Tuesday

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. tatement-affecting-part-of-new-york-tuesday.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 14:29 GMT by Staten Island Advance
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Rip‑Current Alert Hits Select New York Beaches: What You Need to Know

On Tuesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Rip‑Current Statement that will affect a handful of New York beaches from the early evening of Monday into the afternoon of Tuesday, September 2025. The alert, posted on the New York City NWS office’s website and distributed via local news outlets—including Southside NY—warns that dangerous, fast‑moving currents are expected along the Atlantic coast and parts of Long Island’s shoreline. Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed the warning, check for updates, and follow safety guidelines to avoid potential injuries or drownings.

Which Beaches Are at Risk?

The rip‑current statement covers several high‑traffic beaches in the New York metropolitan area and the North Shore of Long Island:

The alert is in effect from 8:00 p.m. EDT Monday through 10:00 a.m. EDT Tuesday. The NWS notes that the risk is moderate to high, with wave heights expected to reach 3–4 feet, which can exacerbate rip‑current formation.

“Rip currents are among the leading causes of accidental drownings along the Atlantic coast,” the NWS office in New York City stated in the statement. “We urge all beachgoers to check local conditions before entering the water and to stay within the designated safe zones.”

What Is a Rip Current?

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of moving water that flow away from the shore. They can be difficult to spot because the water looks calm on the surface. They typically form at points where waves break over sandbars, and they pull swimmers out to deeper water or the open ocean. A rip current can move at speeds up to 2–3 feet per second, enough to carry a person across the beach in under a minute.

The NWS link in the article (https://weather.gov/okx/ripcurrent) offers a detailed explanation of how rip currents form, signs of their presence (e.g., darker water, a line of foam or seaweed, a break in the waves), and recommended actions. The page also includes an interactive map that shows real‑time observations and forecasted swell conditions.

Safety Tips from the NWS and Local Authorities

1. Stay Informed – Before heading to the beach, check the NWS website or the Southside NY weather alerts for the latest updates. The NWS page will be updated throughout the day with any changes in threat level.
2. Avoid the Water if Possible – If the beach is overcrowded, or if you’re a novice swimmer, consider staying ashore. Rip currents can affect any beach, but they are most common near crowded or high‑energy surf zones.
3. If You’re Already in the Water – Remain calm, keep your arms by your sides, and try to float or tread water. Do not attempt to swim directly back to shore; instead, swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current’s pull.
4. Seek Lifeguard Assistance – Lifeguard stations in the affected areas are on heightened alert. Follow any instructions they give; they are trained to handle rip‑current rescues.
5. Teach Your Kids – Children are especially vulnerable to rip currents. Instruct them to stay within 10–20 feet of the shore, never swim alone, and to never venture into unfamiliar waters.

The NWS also links to the NOAA “Rip Current Safety” page (https://www.noaa.gov/rip-currents) that provides national guidelines and additional resources, including videos that demonstrate how to identify rip currents and what to do if you’re caught.

Historical Context

New York has seen several rip‑current–related incidents in the past decade. In 2021, a rip current incident at Jones Beach resulted in two drownings, leading local authorities to increase lifeguard patrols and install additional warning signs. The 2025 alert comes in the aftermath of that tragedy and underscores the state’s commitment to public safety.

The New York Division of Marine Resources (linked in the article as https://www.dmr.ny.gov/beach-safety) also provides a brief guide on beach safety and lists which beaches have permanent or temporary lifeguard coverage. Their page highlights that while rip currents are a natural ocean phenomenon, many of the dangerous situations are preventable with proper knowledge and caution.

Local Response

Mayor Eric Adams’s office has issued a statement urging residents and tourists alike to heed the warning. “We are monitoring conditions closely and have increased our partnership with local lifeguard teams,” Adams said. “Beachgoers should follow all safety advice, stay within the designated safe zones, and always stay alert to changes in the tide and wave conditions.”

Police and fire departments along the affected coastlines have set up additional patrols on Tuesday’s evening, and emergency services are on standby for any rescues.

Bottom Line

The rip‑current statement issued for part of New York’s coastline is a serious warning that conditions can quickly become hazardous. By staying informed, following safety guidelines, and being prepared to react calmly if caught in a rip current, beachgoers can reduce the risk of injury or tragedy. Check the NWS link (https://weather.gov/okx/ripcurrent) for real‑time updates, review the NOAA safety page, and heed local advisories. Enjoy the beach responsibly—your safety and that of others depends on it.