Warning issued of potentially strong rip currents at Horseneck Beach, possibly others

WESTPORT – The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today warned visitors of the potential of strong rip currents developing at the agency’s Horseneck Beach State Reservation in the Town of Westport and possibly at other locations due to Tropical Storm Chris. The storm is likely to generate high surf and dangerous rip current conditions today and tomorrow along ocean beaches, particularly those located along Southern Massachusetts. If conditions were to warrant it, the DCR could close the beach and park area out of concern for the public’s safety.

“With the potential of dangerous rip currents likely to occur at Horseneck Beach State Reservation, the Department of Conservation and Recreation is strongly encouraging all visitors to take extreme caution while visiting the beach area,” said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. “Additionally, the agency is closely monitoring all Department managed beaches along the coastline, and lifeguards and staff will alert visitors should conditions become dangerous.”

Currently, the DCR is taking measures to inform the public of the potential rip current risks at Horseneck Beach State Reservation. Measures include:

Placing Visual Management Boards at strategic locations at the reservation;
Informing all visitors of the risk as they enter the reservation;
Posting of beach flags to reflect current conditions; and,
Stationing additional managers and guards at the reservation.

Additionally, other DCR managed beaches along the southern part of the state that could be impacted by Tropical Storm Chris include Demarest Lloyd State Park, Fort Phoenix State Reservation, and South Cape Beach State Park. Furthermore, all other agency managed ocean beaches are currently being monitoring, as well.