Hurricane Effects Keep NJ, NY Lifeguards Busy
MANASQUAN, N.J. (CBS/AP) -- Swimmers hoping to beat the heat Monday might find restrictions at New York and New Jersey beaches.
The National Weather Service says swells associated with Hurricane Danielle will continue to churn up the surf with rip currents.
Forecasters said the rip currents will be less than the weekend, where lifeguards were busy rescuing swimmers caught in their pull.
Manasquan lifeguards made 40 rescues on Sunday and there were 20 to 25 people pulled from the surf in Seaside Heights.
Seaside only allowed swimmers in up to their knees.
Knee-deep was also the rule in North Wildwood, Sea Isle City and Ocean City.
Atlantic City lifeguards made 52 rescues on Saturday.
Farther north on the south-facing shores of Long Beach on Long Island, lifeguards were also finding themselves placing red flags across the beaches and running into the waters frequently to help struggling swimmers. A lifeguard on a jet ski could be seen skimming the waters back-and-forth frequently for added security throughout the day Sunday.
Nassau County executive Ed Mangano urges residents to not take any chances when it comes to preparing for the possibility of severe storms.
"We've been in communication with Suffolk and New York City to coordinate efforts," said Nassau County executive Ed Mangano. "All county departments have been put on notice to begin preparations should the hurricane or severe storm be imminent."
Meanwhile, farther south in Ocean City, Md., a 20-year-old man remained missing after lifeguards made more than 250 rescues alone on Saturday. The beach closed early Saturday. On Sunday, some swimmers were surprised it reopened.
"I think the water is very violent. I was out there swimming, and it threw me into the beach. I thought, 'Wow, this is really dangerous,'" said Ed Jacobs, who was visiting from Chicago.
More pounding surf is possible throughout the week as Hurricane Earl moves close to the East Coast.
"Danielle is still kicking up the waves on Long Island, but here comes Earl," said CBS 2 Meteorologist Joh Elliott, who said the storm blew winds at 105 mph and was moving WNW at 15 mph.
Eliott said the warm waters to the south are giving Earl ample energy, so by early Friday it is very close to our shores, packing winds of 115 mph. The storm isn't expected to linger and should move out of the area quickly, but we are going to see some potential effects.
"I think there's a real good bet we're gonna see these big waves, dangerous rip currents, and possibly some beach erosion," said Elliott. "There's a chance we'll see some strong winds and heavy rain. But again as it continues to veer away, that mitigates the chance for the actual evidence of the storm with the wind and the rain. We'll definitely be feeling it with those waves, so make sure you're ready for that."
(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
