Rough surf conditions and dangerous rip currents have forced many beaches to ban swimming and boogie boarding this week.

A family beach outing turned tragic Monday evening as powerful rip currents fueled by Tropical Storm Erin dragged six swimmers into distress off Webster Avenue Beach, leaving a 31-year-old man dead and five others hospitalized.

Jersey Shore officials are pleading with the public to avoid swimming in the ocean when no lifeguards are around, especially now with Hurricane Erin.

The swimmer was not identified by police, but a Coast Guard official said the victim was a young teenage girl.

Powerful Hurricane Erin to bring high seas, big waves, rip currents and rough surf as it moves between the United States and Bermuda.

Forecasts nudge Erin's likely path to the west, increasing the risks at U.S. beaches. Tropical storm conditions are expected in North Carolina's Outer Banks starting late Wednesday.