Ocean Closed to Swimmers in Long Beach

Long Beach officials have deemed the ocean “just too dangerous for swimming” Tuesday.

Officials have closed the beaches to swimmers due to dangerous rip tides and harsh waves, according to a statement from Lifeguard Chief Paul GIllespie.

“Everyone is still welcome to visit the beach,” he said. “However, the water is just too dangerous for swimming at this time.”

Officials will update on any changes.

Here’s the full statement, posted to the City of Long Beach Facebook page:

The ocean is currently closed to swimmers due to rip currents and the size of the waves. Everyone is still welcome to visit the beach. However, the water is just too dangerous for swimming at this time. We will update this message later today if anything changes.

The closure follows a night of thunderstorms that struck Long Island, particularly Suffolk County, and left more than 40,000 people without power. Read more here.

Image via Flickr Creative Commons/Miwok