Big Rip Tides this Weekend, BBQ advice, and more in today's Townsquare Media News for Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Swimming may be limited at many Jersey Shore beaches this weekend because of the rip current risk. Pay attention to what the lifeguards are saying, and if you get caught in a rip, don't panic. Swim parallel to the shore, not against the current.. Rip currents are a threat all summer, but with the effects of Arthur, it'll be worse.

A man high on opiates carelessly threw away a cigarette that sparked the deadly Mariner's Cover Motel fire in Point Pleasant Beach in March. The fire killed him and three others. Authorities ruled the fire accidental after finding video surveillance of John Alberti's conduct.

Lakewood will only offer courtesy busing to students in Kindergarten through third grade after private school leaders rejected a 15-minute change in the start time for schools. According to reports, the savings likely would have been enough to continue courtesy busing for all students.

Neighbors are credited with saving an 83-year old Aberdeen man who was unable to escape his burning home yesterday morning. Police say the fire caused significant damage to the Riverdale Drive house.

A 25-year old Farmingdale man is being charged with April's deadly daytime shooting in Asbury Park. Jacquil Jones was arrested yesterday. He faces murder and weapons counts for the death of Jermain Huntley.

Point Pleasant Beach Councilman Stephen Reid wants the governing body to consider banning saggy pants on the boardwalk, similar to the dress code Wildwood enacted last year. He says residents are business owners have complained to him about it being a problem.

Governor Christie will be in Ocean Grove today helping cut the ribbon on the new  boardwalk. The Sandy-damaged boardwalk was turned down twice for federal disaster repair funding before finally getting approved. It'll cost $1 million to build.

Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker are joining forces with Shore Congressman Frank Pallone to ask the Obama Administration to keep the Jersey Shore safe from offshore drilling. Federal officials are currently developing their next 5-year coastal drilling plan and public comment on the proposed plan is still being accepted.

State inspectors are still reviewing paperwork required for Six Flags Great Adventure to open the world's tallest and fastest drop ride. A preview of Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom was cancelled yesterday as the state has yet to grant the ride an operating permit.

Leave the fireworks to the experts this holiday weekend. 40% of injuries are to adults ages 25 and older. 46% of injuries involve the hands and fingers. And fuses usually contain a substance that allows fireworks to continue burning even if wet.

As you're prepping for that holiday barbeque, keep a few things in mind to avoid cross-contamination and other possible foodborne illness. It's not just meat and poultry that you have to be concerned about. Fruits contain harmful bacteria too. Health officials advise washing cantelope before and after cutting it. When grilling, e-coli can be found in the center of a ground beef burger if it's not cooked and in the outer part of steak. Don't take food out 'til it's ready to be grilled. Cold foods and items containing mayo should be stored in separate containers at 40 degrees or below. Also, never partially cook something and then throw it back on the grill. Food that has been left out for an hour or longer should be thrown away.

State investigators are visiting boardwalks across the shore this summer to make sure all the games are fair. That means testing the distance of each basketball hoop, seeing if darts are actually sharp, and even checking to see if claw machines are designed so people can win. State inspectors say if you're not sure which games are on the up and up, a good bet is to see where people are winning. Contact the Division of Consumer Affairs if you think something's fishy, but if you can't understand the rules, don't play the game.

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