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Dangerous rip currents expected from Monmouth County to Cape May, NWS warns

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  Published in House and Home on Sunday, September 21st 2025 at 11:45 GMT by app.com
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Rip Current Warning Issued for Jersey Shore Beaches as 2025 Storm Season Builds

On September 21, 2025, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a rip‑current warning for a broad swath of the Jersey Shore, stretching from Monmouth County down to Cape May. The alert, released at 3:15 p.m. Eastern Time, is a reminder that the coastal waters along the Atlantic Coast are particularly treacherous during the late‑summer storm season. The NWS advised beachgoers, lifeguards, and local authorities to exercise extreme caution, especially during peak afternoon hours.

What the Warning Means

A rip current warning is a specific alert issued when the conditions that create fast‑moving, narrow channels of water – capable of pulling swimmers away from shore – are forecasted or observed. The NWS defines rip currents as “unbroken, narrow, and swift water moving from the shore to the deep water.” These currents can move at speeds up to 5 feet per second (1.5 meters per second), making them a top cause of beach‑related drownings in the United States.

The 2025 rip‑current warning covers several popular beaches:

• Atlantic City – from the Atlantic City Boardwalk eastward to the Sandy Hook entrance.
• Ventnor and Avalon – including the back‑street coves that are often used by day‑trippers.
• Cape May – the entire coastline, especially near the historic lighthouse area.
• Monmouth County – from Sea Bright through Long Branch to Asbury Park.

According to the NWS, these waters are experiencing a combination of high tide, moderate wind speeds of 15–20 mph from the southwest, and a rising sea level that together increase the likelihood of forming rip currents. The warning is in effect until 8:00 a.m. the next morning, but local officials have advised people to avoid the water entirely through at least 2:00 p.m. the following day, when the risk remains high.

Local Response and Precautions

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) released an advisory in conjunction with the NWS warning. The agency urged beachgoers to:

1. Check the tide tables before entering the water.
2. Stay within the designated swim areas where lifeguards are posted.
3. Avoid the beach in the late afternoon when waves are strongest and wind conditions worsen.
4. Recognize rip‑current signs – look for a darker area of water that moves steadily toward the sea, or a pool of white water that doesn’t break.

The NWS’s own “What to Do in a Rip Current” page (linked in the article) explains that the safest response is to calmly swim parallel to shore until out of the current, then head back to the beach. The page also includes a short animation that demonstrates how rip currents pull swimmers away from shore and why they’re so dangerous.

In Atlantic City, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department has announced that the boardwalk will be closed from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. the following day, citing “safety and security concerns.” The department has also deployed additional beach patrols and posted signage warning of the rip‑current conditions. The city’s spokesperson, Maria Lopez, stated, “We’re doing everything in our power to keep our visitors safe. The rip‑current warning is a serious alert – we advise everyone to heed it.”

A Look at Past Incidents

The article linked to a historical archive on the NJDEP website, detailing the 2018 rip‑current tragedy that claimed the life of a 12‑year‑old swimmer in Ocean City. That incident spurred a statewide initiative to improve beach safety infrastructure, including the installation of lifeguard towers, better signage, and educational programs for families. The new initiative, titled “Rip‑Safe 2025,” is slated to launch in early October and will include free workshops on how to identify rip currents.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s statistics, rip‑current–related drownings have increased by 12% over the past decade, largely due to a higher number of tourists and increased beach usage. Experts attribute the rise to both climate‑related factors (e.g., higher sea levels and more powerful storms) and a lack of public awareness.

How to Stay Safe

The NWS’s rip‑current page outlines a checklist for beachgoers:

• Know the local conditions: Check the latest weather and tide forecasts.
• Use the “rip‑current sign”: Look for the black “RIP CURRENT” sign on the beach. It’s a quick visual cue to stay away.
• Stay within designated swim zones: These are monitored by lifeguards who can spot signs of rip currents.
• Do not swim alone: If you’re with a group, keep an eye on each other, especially if someone gets caught in a current.
• Learn to swim parallel to shore: This technique can help you escape a rip current.

The article linked to a local lifeguard academy website, offering a free “Basic Rip‑Current Escape” class for all ages. The academy, located in Cape May, has been a resource for lifeguard training for 30 years and partners with the NJDEP for community outreach.

Looking Ahead

While the current rip‑current warning is a short‑term alert, the NWS’s broader forecast for the region indicates that the rest of September and October will continue to see rough surf and high winds. The NWS is keeping a close eye on sea‑level rise projections that may compound these risks. For the local tourism industry, the rip‑current warnings present both a challenge and an opportunity to increase education and safety measures. The Jersey Shore has long been a cultural icon, but the stakes are higher than ever.

In summary, the rip‑current warning for Monmouth County to Cape May on September 21, 2025, is a call to beachgoers to heed the science behind the surf and to take concrete steps to protect themselves. With the right information, preparation, and respect for the ocean’s power, the Jersey Shore can remain a safe destination for families and tourists alike.