rip current

WARNING: The National Weather Service is warning us at the Jersey Shore to stay out of the water for now. The strong rip currents and winds are to be taken seriously for the rest of this weekend.

At my first live broadcast from the legendary Asbury Park boradwalk, I had the privilege of meeting local ocean expert Don Walsh. Talk about an impressive person...Don has made it his life's mission to teach others about ocean safety, to prepare Olympic swimmers and even prepare Navy SEAL candidates for rigorous water missions. So when I had questions about my kids and rip currents, I'm pretty sure I asked that right guy.

The weather has been nice of late but the surf has not and that sent Seaside Heights, Seaside Park and Lavalette scuba teams into the ocean on Monday night for a swimmer in distress.

As if you need another warning not to swim without lifeguards on duty.

It's National Beach Safety Week and after a summer that saw several drownings across the Jersey Shore in 2017, officials are urging caution as you head for the water.

The crowds are lighter and the weather seems perfect for a swim in the Atlantic. But, this is the most dangerous time of year to enter the ocean. With all of the rescues this weekend by random folks strolling the beach, should their be harsher punishment if one swims at the beach without a lifeguard?

It's still early in the season and already there have been numerous tragedies due to rip currents. If you swim in the ocean this is a must read.