Many Beaches In Ocean And Monmouth Counties No Longer Guarded After Labor Day

Many locals in Ocean and Monmouth counties keep a carefully guarded secret. September is the best month at the Jersey Shore.

The waters of the Atlantic Ocean are still warm. The summer frenzy of crowded beaches and boardwalks has eased. The late fall Nor'easters are still weeks away. You can still go to the beach and get a tan. Oceanfront towns up and down the Jersey coast promote fairs, festivals and other events to stretch out the season.

But there's just one problem, for residents and visitors alike.

You can still go to the beach, but after Labor Day, many beaches are unguarded. It's swim at your own risk.
Three swimmers who entered the turbulent waters off Loveladies in the Long Beach Island section of the township found that out the hard way on Sunday afternoon. It took a concerted effort by areas several beach patrols, police and fire departments to bring them to safety.

But some municipalities are offering lifeguard protection into September, especially on Long Beach Island.

Here's a sampling:

ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK - The state of New Jersey will have lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Ocean Beach 1 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 1.

“The 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.”

HARVEY CEDARS - The beaches between Middlesex Avenue and 80th Street will be guarded each day through Sept. 10. On Sept. 11, the Middlesex Avenue beach will be guarded every day through Sunday, Sept. 31. The 80th Street beach will also be guarded on weekends through Sept. 31. “We’re also going to have mobile patrols, concentrating on areas where we do not have guards,” Beach Patrol Captain Randy Townsend said.

BARNEGAT LIGHT -Lifeguards will be on duty at the 22nd Street beach on Sept. 9 and Sept. 10, and on Sept. 16 and Sept. 17.

LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP - After Labor Day, Long Beach Township will have lifeguards on the 68th Street beach in Brant Beach on Saturdays and Sundays until October, weather permitting.

SHIP BOTTOM - Borough beaches will be guarded on 7th, 15th and 20th streets from Sept. 5 through Sept. 30.

SANDY HOOK Sandy Hook has lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Day Weekend to Labor day at five ocean beaches. The guarded beaches are South Beach Areas C, D, E, Gunnison and North Beach.

Photo: Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol