Jersey Shore Beaches and Water Quality Get All Clear
State of the Shore report warns swimmers of increased rip currents
Beachgoers could face the effects left behind from winter storms Joaquin and Jonas this Memorial Day weekend, according to the State of the Shore report administered by the NJ Sea Grant Consortium.
While the beaches and water quality along the Jersey Shore received the all clear, according to Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin, the storms ravished the shore line and created sand bars that a prone to increase rip currents.
According to coastal process specialist Jon Miller [at right], a Research Assistant Professor at the Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Marine Systems, recently replenished shorelines like the off the coast of recently replenished sites like the Army Corps of Engineers work from southern Deal to Loch Arbour are facing an increased risk of rip currents.
Rip currents are strong, localized, narrow currents of water that cut through the lines of breaking waves. They are often a result of sand bars, created when storm waves wash away sand from the shoreline, Miller said.
And while surfers will appreciate the increased rips, swimmers will be challenged by the current that forces them away from the shore.
“I liken it to a boxer that just hits you with a bunch of body blows, little by little just wearing down the beaches,” Miller [below right] said. “The bigger the waves the further the sand bar occurs offshore. Beaches that have been recently replenished may have a more pronounced impact.”
Miller said the sand bars will eventually diminish as tidal flows push sand back toward the shoreline, [he estimates by mid-summer]. Until then, swimmers should use caution and remember to swim parallel to the shore line if they are caught in rip current.
During the Thursday morning 14th Annual State of the Shore address at McLoone’s Asbury Grille & Supper Club along the Asbury Park boardwalk, Martin announced the newly created Public Access Map.
Featuring 2,900 access points, the interactive tool will allow beach goers to quickly access the amenities available along the Jersey Shore.
Also new this year will be the new public rating system for the annual Top Ten Beaches Contest, NJ Sea Grant Consortium Executive Director Claire Antonucci [above left] announced. The poll will include a top beach category for each of the four counties that make up the Jersey Shore as well as the best in state ranking, she said.
“We’re ready to start the summer 2016 beach season,” Martin said. “The ocean water quality is excellent.”
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