Lifeguards to protect Island Beach State Park through September

For the fourth season, a guarded bathing area in Island Beach State Park will be open for long weekends throughout September, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced.

Swimmers will enjoy the protection of lifeguards at the Ocean Bathing Area 1.

“DEP continues lifeguard service after Labor Day weekend at Island Beach State Park because many visitors continue to enjoy swimming when crowds are smaller at our beaches and the weather is still warm,” said State Parks and Forestry Director Mark Texel. “Our lifeguards do a great job protecting swimmers at the Jersey Shore, and we will continue to protect our beaches during weekends throughout September.”

For the remainder of the month, lifeguards will be on duty every Friday and weekend through October 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Park hours are 8 a.m. until sunset.

Swimming will remain strictly prohibited in unguarded sections of the park, where lifeguards recently made a last-second rescue of a swimmer who entered the ocean in an undesignated area and began to struggle.

Some beaches along the Jersey Shore continue to offer lifeguard protection through September. Check with your local municipality.