Big Waves, But Beaches Revert to Post-Labor Day Lifeguard Hours

Area beaches remain guarded for weekend hours as a summer tourism season winds down after Labor Day, but the hurricane season is already creating big waves.

On weekdays in September, it's swim at your own risk. In Ortley Beach, the mile-long bathing beach was guarded daily from July through Labor Day. Lifeguard stations will be guarded this weekend, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Red flags along the boardwalk in Seaside Heights mean there's no swimming, and are flown when the conditions are rough or the beaches are unguarded, before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Beach badge checkers are also not staffing the beach outside of those hours.

After Labor Day, Island Beach State Park changes its hours, opening 8 a.m. until dusk daily. The cost to enter changes as well: Entrance fee the day after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day is $5/NJ Resident and $10/Non-Resident.

The National Weather Service, meanwhile, is warning of large swells and potential for riptides due to offshore storm systems forming.

However, area beaches have designated areas where surfing is allowed. For example in Island Beach, portions of the ocean beach at the extreme southern end of the designated bathing area have been set aside for sailboarding and surfing.