Swimmers looking to enjoy some waves for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend need to be aware which beaches will have guards on duty.
Most beaches in Monmouth and Ocean counties, such as Belmar beaches, will have weekend lifeguards over the holiday. Weekdays won't be staffed until mid-June, when lifeguards typically get out of school.
Shores in Deal, on the other hand, will only have lifeguards on patrol at beach clubs. All other beaches are unguarded and swimming is prohibited.
Long Beach Island will employ only a skeleton crew for the whole island over the holiday weekend.
Bill Karatz, lifeguard supervisor for Belmar, is reminding swimmers to use caution in unprotected areas. Karatz says that hypothermia is a particular danger, as water temperatures are still in the mid-50s.
To watch an extended interview with Karatz, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.