DELAWARE COAST – Major Delaware beach towns, including Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and Bethany Beach, have banned or severely restricted swimming as of Tuesday, August 19, due to dangerous rip currents and high surf being generated by the distant but powerful Hurricane Erin.
Although the hurricane is expected to remain well offshore, its effects are creating hazardous conditions along the entire Mid-Atlantic coast. Officials are urging all visitors to stay out of the water for their safety. Red flags are flying at many beaches, signaling that the ocean is closed to swimmers.
The ocean conditions are being described as extreme, with high waves and a significant risk of dangerous rip currents predicted to last throughout the week. Potential debris in the turbulent water poses an additional danger to anyone who enters.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the following restrictions are in place for Delaware's coastal towns:
- Rehoboth Beach: All swimming is prohibited. Lifeguards are on duty and expect to keep the water closed to swimmers through at least Friday, with conditions being assessed daily.
- Dewey Beach: Swimming is prohibited due to dangerous waves and a high risk of rip currents.
- Bethany Beach: All ocean access is closed due to the rough surf. Officials have indicated that full beach closures may be possible later in the week depending on conditions.
- Fenwick Island: Beach access is currently restricted. Town officials will continue to monitor the situation and will reopen the beach after the storm's effects have passed.
- Delaware State Park Beaches: All state park beaches with lifeguards, such as those at Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore State Parks, are closed to swimmers.
Officials are strongly advising all beachgoers to heed these warnings, as the dangerous conditions pose a significant risk to even the most experienced swimmers.
