What You Can Expect At Island Beach State Park This Summer

Want to check out the weather before you head over to Island Beach State Park this summer?

You won't have to go to the Weather Channel for a forecast or pick up a newspaper. You can go directly to the Friends of Island Beach's website that will have a beach cam running the entire season to monitor weather and wave conditions at Bathing Beach 1.

A total of 74 lifeguards will be stationed at swimming areas from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Swimming is prohibited on unguarded beaches, said Caryn Shinske, a spokesperson for the state Department of Environmental Protection

The Fisherman's Walkway is a boardwalk that provides access to both the ocean and bay at parking area #7 for visitors with disabilities. Beach wheelchairs for the ocean swimming area, and beach wheelchairs specially fitted for surf fishing are available at the bathing pavilions during the swimming season.

A new marina with 80 boat slips has opened, replacing the one that was damaged from Superstorm Sandy in October 2012.

So far, 10 slips have been rented at the marina and 70 slips - ranging in size from 17 feet to 25 feet - are still available. Slips are accessible throughout the day, with coded entry gates for early morning fishing trips, midday excursions onto the Atlantic, and sunset voyages to end the day.

Two additional water trails within the Sedge Islands Marine Conservation Zone have also been added.

The popular Moonlight Hike nature program will continue this season. Stargazers can join with the ASTRA astronomy club, which will have large telescopes set up for sky explorations. Sedge Islands Kayak Eco-Tour and Surf Fishing clinics are also available to visitors.

To learn more , visit www.islandbeachnatureprograms.org for a full activities menu and to register online for all programs.

Visitors can learn more at www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/island.html#swim or they can download a PocketRanger Mobile App for smartphones or tablets at www.pocketranger.com/apps/new-jersey