Lifeguards Will Be On Duty At Island Beach State Park Fridays Through Mondays In September: DEP

Ocean County locals try to keep it a secret. September is the best month at Island Beach State Park.

The crowds are gone. The traffic is easier. The water is still warm.

Island Beach State Park will continue to staff Ocean Bathing Area 1 with lifeguards on Fridays through Mondays all through September, said state Department of Environmental Protection spokesman Bob Considine.

"Our lifeguards have done another great job protecting the hundreds of thousands of swimmers and waders who got in the water this year," Considine said. "We like to extend their service after Labor Day weekend because obviously the weather stays warm and for many, locally, September represents a favorite summer month."

The dates the park will be staffed with lifeguards from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. include:

Friday, September 9

Saturday, September 10

Sunday, September 11

Monday, September 12

Friday, September 16

Saturday, September 17

Sunday, September 18

Monday, September 19

Friday, September 23

Saturday, September 24

Sunday, September 25

Monday, September 26

Friday, September 30

That will not be the case in many municipalities, where coverage generally stops after Labor Day weekend.

Patch will compile a list of towns that will still have protection after Labor Day.

Editor's note: An earlier story incorrectly said the park was open every day in September. We apologize for the error.

Image: Friends of Island Beach State Park Facebook page.