Media Advisory – Tuesday, June 4, 2013

The National Weather Service (NWS), New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC), and the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) will discuss the increasing need for rip current awareness, new pilot programs, and what beachgoers can do to ensure safe swimming this post-Sandy summer.

WHO: The National Weather Service (NWS), New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC), and the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA)

WHAT: A kick-off Rip Current Awareness Week press conference to address issues, answer questions, heighten awareness of a greater danger of rip currents along New Jersey beaches this summer. Following brief speaker remarks, attendees will be invited to walk to a nearby beach (weather permitting) for a tour and a look at rip currents.

Invited speakers include: Walter Drag Senior meteorologist from the NWS, Dr. Jon Miller, Stevens Institute of Technology professor and Sea Grant Coastal Processes Specialist, Don Myers LBI USLA Long Beach Lifeguard Patrol Supervisor and Jay Mann, Managing Editor of The Sandpaper and NWS surf reporter for LBI.

WHERE: The Sandpaper newspaper building 1819 Long Beach Boulevard, Surf City NJ.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 4th, 2013 at 2 PM

WHY: Because Long Beach Island is home to the 4th largest USLA beach patrol in the country and Superstorm Sandy’s impacts have created a greater likelihood of rip currents, this is an important southern New Jersey focus and follow-up to the last year’s rip current press event in northern New Jersey at Asbury Park.

Please be cautioned that parking may be at a premium.