New Jersey State Parks announce that Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Island Beach State Park and from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at lakefront swimming areas.
Island Beach State Park – 7 days a weekAtsion Recreation Area (Wharton State Forest) – Open Wednesday – SundayBass River State Forest – Open Wednesday – SundayBelleplain State Forest – Open Wednesday – SundayCheesequake State Park – Open Wednesday – SundayHigh Point State Park – Swimming closed. Lifeguards needed!Hopatcong State Park – Open Wednesday – SundayParvin State Park – Swimming closed for the 2026 season.Round Valley Recreation Area – Open Wednesday – SundaySwartswood State Park – Open Wednesday – SundayWawayanda State Park – Open Wednesday – SundayNew Jersey State Parks is recruiting and training additional lifeguards statewide. Learn more at: nj.gov/dep/workinparks
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Check the operating status of your favorite state park or forest before visiting to see whether it has reached capacity: https://dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/get-outside/parkstatus/
Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty.
KEEP IT CLEAN AND GREEN! Protect local habitats by taking your trash with you. Whatever you carry into the park, plan on carrying it out too. Bring a bag or two for trash, recycling and cleaning up after your pet. There are no trash receptacles in the park.
Any lifejackets used in state park swimming areas must be US Coast Guard approved.
