LBI Lifeguards To Stay On In Off Season

Beach Haven Beach Patrol Captain Mike Lawrence’s statement after observing Friday’s crowded beaches may be prophetic for this fall.

“It looks like nobody left and more are coming,” he said.

To help ensure their safety, Beach Haven, along with Long Beach Township and Ship Bottom will be providing limited service into September.

Long Beach Township Beach Patrol Supervisor Don Myers said on Friday: “Weather permitting; 68th Street in Brant Beach will be guarded through Sept. 10."

There will be roving patrols in the township proper, Brant Beach through North Beach Haven, in September as long as the weather warrants it, he added. 
“Our Surf Response Team will also be on stand by at headquarters,” added Myers, who noted the team made eleven off season rescues in the township alone in 2011.

Keith Stokes, head of Ship Bottom’s Beach Patrol, said the borough’s beaches will keep guards at the 15th and 20th Street beaches every day until the end of September.

“We were fortunate this year to have the budget and the guards to keep two beaches open all month,” he said.

With many of his guards being either teachers or students, it is often difficult to have the staff to fill the slots but they have worked it out this year, he added.

Lawrence also said for the two weekends following the Labor Day weekend, there will be guards at 5th, Centre and Pearl streets. There will also be roving motorized patrols during those times as well, he added.

Beach Haven also has a water rescue unit that is part of the Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Department that is always ready to respond to an emergency, added Lawrence. 

UPDATE: Barnegat Light Assistant Captain Robert Selfridge said on Tuesday that currently there will be guards at 22nd Street and roving ATV patrols this month. Selfridge, who is also part of the water rescue team and volunteer fire company member, said the fire company's water rescue team is also ready to respond to any emergency.