New Jersey officials warn swimmers about rip currents caused by Hurricane Erin

This story originally appeared on 6abc.

Swimming is currently prohibited at several Jersey Shore beaches as Hurricane Erin churns up hazardous surf conditions along the coast.

Although lifeguards are not stationed in their usual stands, they are patrolling the beaches to ensure visitors stay out of the water. Officials are also discouraging surfing and kayaking due to the rough seas.

Gov. Phil Murphy addressed the situation during a press conference on Tuesday morning, emphasizing the risks posed by the storm’s indirect impacts.

“We are worried in a big way about human nature and complacency,” Murphy said. “We’ve always had a very tough rip tide summer, particularly over the past several weeks.”

While Hurricane Erin is not expected to make landfall in New Jersey, the storm is generating large waves and powerful rip currents.

State officials are urging beachgoers to heed warnings and avoid entering the ocean.

“I don’t want to be the Amityville mayor from ‘Jaws,’ but the fact of the matter is, I think going in the ocean for the next number of days is something you gotta avoid,” Murphy said.

Several beach patrols along the shore, including North Wildwood, have issued swimming bans until further notice.

“You wanna exercise on the beach? Feel free. You want to go on a walk with your family? That’s okay,” said North Wildwood Beach Patrol Chief Bill Ciavarelli. “But the water’s not safe right now. So that would not be a good decision.”

In Ocean City, people are advised not to enter the water beyond an ankle-deep level, if they venture in at all.

“Right now, the swell is building. It looks like Wednesday into Thursday will probably be the toughest conditions,” said Ocean City Beach Patrol Capt. Greg Bradley.

Despite the weather, some visitors are making the most of their time at the shore.

“We came yesterday to wind speeds of about 30 mph, and now we got three grandkids with us,” said Joseph Cassidy of Lititz, Pennsylvania. “It’s pouring and windy but we’re still happy to be here.”

In addition to the threat of rip currents, officials are monitoring for moderate flooding and beach erosion as the storm continues to move up the coast.