ROCKAWAY BEACH, Queens (PIX11) -- The effects of Hurricane Erin have resulted in rip currents and other surf conditions so severe that all 14 miles of public beaches in the city are restricted for access to the water.

The lifeguards have been pulled off duty in order to actively walk and patrol the landfall areas of each beach to ensure that nobody goes in and risks their life.

There was at least one instance of somebody doing just that.

Near Beach 91st Street in Rockaway, just before 4:00 p.m., a man jumped into the surf and tried to backstroke in the frothy, churned-up water. Lifeguards on scene showed why it's best that they're right at the water's edge, and not in their normal high chair positions. They were able to reach the man in seconds.

A Parks Enforcement all-terrain vehicle

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