Hurricane Irene Affecting Jersey Shore

August 16, 2005 -- Even though Hurricane Irene is no threat to land, it still is posing problems for swimmers along the Jersey shore.

The National Weather Service says there's a risk for rip currents and rough swells today as the storm churns up the North Atlantic.

Many beaches along the Monmouth and Ocean County coast have banned or curtailed swimming.

Lifeguards in Point Pleasant Beach performed 150 rescues from Thursday to Saturday.

A rip current carried a 15-year-old about two and a half blocks in Seaside Heights. He was rescued after clinging on to the pilings under Casino Pier on Sunday night.

Surfers are taking advantage of the swells.

Forecasters say once Irene hits colder water in about 48 hours, it will likely die a quick death. Top sustained winds have dropped to 85 miles-per-hour.

(Copyright 2005 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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