Which Southern Ocean Beaches Will Have Lifeguards This Month?

SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY, NJ If you're looking for southern Ocean County towns with the most guarded beaches during September, it looks like Harvey Cedars and Ship Bottom are your best bets.

We locals all know that September is the best month at the Jersey Shore. Just make sure you only swim on a guarded beach.

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

Harvey Cedars will have daily coverage at the Middlesex Avenue and 80th Street beaches through Sept. 9. After that, the Middlesex Avenue beach will be guarded each day through Sunday, Sept. 30. If the weather holds up, the 80th Street beach may be guarded on weekends as well.

Beach Haven Lifeguards will be on duty for two more weekends Sept. 8 and Sept. 9 and Sept. 15 and Sept 16. Lifeguards will man as many stands as possible, depending on how staffing holds up. There will also be mobile patrols on beaches throughout the borough.

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

Surf City will have guards at the 12th Street beach through Sept. 9.

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

In central Ocean County, lifeguards will be on duty at Island Beach State Park after Labor Day, on Sept. 3, at Swimming Area 1 beaches from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from Sept. 7-9, 14-16, 21-23 and 28-30.

The DEP and National Weather Service urge the public to be cautious and swim only at lifeguarded beaches during the remaining weeks of summer since many municipally operated beaches have reduced lifeguard operations after Labor Day weekend. Swimming is not permitted at state parks unless lifeguards are on duty.

"Lifeguard service continues at Island Beach State Park after Labor Day while the weather and water are ideal for swimming, and crowds are smaller," Parks and Forestry Director Olivia Glenn said. "Our lifeguards are there weekends throughout September to make sure visitors have a safe and enjoyable time swimming, or just relaxing at the beach."

Photo: Courtesy of state Department of Environmental Protection