LBI Beaches Extend Summer Lifeguard Season

LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ — Summer isn't quite over on Long Beach Island. Several beaches will remain guarded in some capacity through September.

The Ocean County Health Department was excited to announce that several beaches in Ocean County will operate through September. But the OCHD urges residents and visitors to take safety protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The Center for Disease Control suggests the following while at the beach:

• Keep your blankets and chairs a good 6 feet away from your nearest neighbors.
• Don't share food, drinks, equipment, toys and supplies with people you don't live with.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Sneeze and cough into a tissue or sleeve.
• Wear a face covering if social distancing isn't feasible. (Especially if waiting in line for restrooms, food vendors, or any activity that brings people in close distance of others).
• Stay home if sick.
• Children under 2 should never wear a face covering.
• Follow all posted and announced beach guidelines related to COVID-19 and other safety rules.

"Ocean County has some of the best beaches in the country," said Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. "We certainly want our residents and visitors to enjoy this beautiful resource but the pandemic isn't over and we need everyone to do their part in mitigating the transmission of the COVID-19 virus by adhering to all the social distancing measures and by wearing a mask when appropriate."

Here's where you can find guarded beaches on LBI:

Barnegat Light: Beaches at Ninth, 18th, 22nd and 25th streets will remain guarded until Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. During this week, the tram will run every day from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., except from 1-2 p.m.

From next Monday through Sept. 30, the following beaches will have lifeguards:

• Ninth Street: Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 18th, 22nd and 25th Streets: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, weather permitting

During that span, the tram will operate from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Friday through Sunday, except 12-1 p.m.

Beach Haven: Lifeguards will work the Centre Street beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Sept. 20.

Harvey Cedars: Lifeguards will staff Middlesex Avenue beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Sept. 30. They will also guard the beach at 80th Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends through September.

Long Beach Township: The township will have lifeguards 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through September at the following beaches: 68th Street in Brant Beach, 81st Street in Beach Haven Crest, 131st Street in Spray Beach, 25th Street in Spray Beach and the first beach in Holgate south of Beach Haven, according to The Sandpaper.

47th Street in Brant Beach and 96th Street in Beach Haven Crest will have lifeguards on weekends.

Ship Bottom: Lifeguards will staff the beaches at 7th, 15th and 20th Streets through Sept. 30.

Surf City: 12th and 14th Street beaches will remain guarded for the week after Labor Day.

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