The Number Of Lifeguards On Long Beach Island Is Dwindling

LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ - Call it summer's last hurrah.

Technically, it's fall now. But there are a few towns on Long Beach Island that will have guarded beaches until the end of September. The list is pretty short.

Ship Bottom - will have daily coverage at the 7th, 15th and 20th streets through Sept. 30.

Harvey Cedars - the Middlesex Avenue beach will be guarded each day through Sunday, Sept. 30. If the weather holds up, the 80th Street beach may be also guarded on weekends.

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Long Beach Township will have guards on the 68th Street in Brant Beach, on Saturdays and Sundays throughout September.

Barnegat Light - the 22nd Street beach will be guarded, for as long as money remains in the budget.

Farther north, central Ocean County, lifeguards will be on duty at Island Beach State Park at Swimming Area 1 beaches from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m on weekends on through Sept. 30.

Sunday is not going to be the best day at the beach. The National Weather Service is calling for a moderate risk of rip currents and waves around 3 feet. The ocean water temperature is 74 degrees, although that may vary depending upon the beach.

Be sure to check with your local beach patrol about problem areas. Never swim alone or at night. A man drowned in Seaside Heights last week after he swam on an unguarded beach. The NWS advises you to always have a flotation device with you in the water.

Skies will be cloudy, with rain likely. The highs will only be in the upper 60s. Winds will be from the east at 10 miles per hour. There is no lightning threat.

Minor coastal flooding is possible with the high tide on Monday
evening and Monday night and Tuesday.

Photo: Patricia A. Miller