by LINDSAY IADELUCA, NBC 10 NEWS

Swimming was banned at Horseneck Beach in Westport because of high surf from Hurricane Gert, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017. (WJAR)

It was not your typical busy August summer day Wednesday at Horseneck Beach.

"Gert sent good long ground swells. It's about 12 to 15 seconds. So with that size we get up to 6 feet surf and that's not something we normally get. It's something usually a lot flatter. As a result, we probably have some of the strongest currents we've seen all summer long," said Owen Worden, a lifeguard supervisor.

The concern of deadly rip currents closed the water to swimming. But with every storm comes onlookers and surfers looking to take advantage of the waves.

"It's pretty rough. I'd say it's about shoulder, head high and with the currents to the side. It's just sort of messy right now," said Jed Brunt, a surfer.

Brunt has 30 years on the ocean surfing experience. It still took him 10 to 15 minutes to swim past the breakers through the current.

And the swells weren't only cramping beachgoers. Boaters too were advised to take a beautiful day off from the water.

"It doesn't look like there's anything here. But once you get outside the entrance is going to get nasty, yeah," said Harry Trip. "People with inexperience don't understand that."

A former Coast Guard member and owner of F.L. Tripp and Sons marina and boat yard, Tripp said if you don't have to go out, don't.

"No, that's not the case, no, it can still effect you. The current will run faster. Push you toward the rocks faster if you have an issue. So, the best thing is not to go out,' Tripp said.

Tripp said they do tell boaters who try to go out that it's not good conditions to prevent them from entering any dangerous situations.

While Rhode Island and Massachusetts wont be hit by the storm, the weather is creating a high surf at area beaches. Authorities advise swimmers and boaters to use cation.

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No swimming at two local beaches as Gert kicks up high surf - Turn to 10