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Gateway has three beaches designated for swimming: Jacob Riis Park, Great Kills Park and Sandy Hook.
Which beaches are lifeguarded?
Lifeguards will be on duty from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day, at the following beach locations:
Sandy Hook: Beach C and Beach D
Jacob Riis Park: Bays 2 and 5
Great Kills Park: Beach Center
Why are there less lifeguarded beaches this Summer?
There has been a national lifeguard shortage for a number of years. Gateway has tried various recruitment methods, but does not have enough lifeguards to safely staff the same number of beaches in prior years.
Will more lifeguards be on duty later in the season?
We may on-board additional lifeguards later in the season. However, based on current lifeguard numbers, the lifeguarded beaches will likely remain the same throughout the 2025 summer season.
Sandy Hook: Beach E may have lifeguards starting July 1.
Lifeguards will not be on duty at Gunnison Beach for the duration of the season.
Jacob Riis Park: Additional Bays may be lifeguarded later in the season.
Can I swim in areas that do not have lifeguards?
Swimming is prohibited at locations without lifeguards and when lifeguards are not on duty.
Why can’t I swim in areas that are not lifeguarded?
Swimming when lifeguards are not on duty is DANGEROUS. There is an increase in DROWNINGS when people swim without lifeguards on duty. Lifeguards are trained to protect swimmers and watch for and alert you to rip currents, lateral currents, large storm surf, undertow and other hazards in the water.
Lifeguards are there to protect you, so only swim when and where lifeguards are on duty. A drowning can happen in seconds. Strong currents and sudden drop-offs have contributed to drownings. Don’t enter the water unless there is a lifeguard on duty.
What does the Red Flag mean?
Red flags mean no lifeguards on duty and no swimming or wading.
Will No Swimming be enforced?
Law Enforcement Rangers are not lifeguards. They are not trained to rescue you from the water, but they might give you a ticket for engaging in a prohibited activity.
Current Beach Rules Prohibit
Alcohol
Smoking
Tents or shelters (baby tents are allowed)
Barbecuing and open fires
Group gatherings including group picnics
Sports
Glass containers
Coolers that are more than 24 quarts in size per group
Dogs and kites from March 15-September 15
Entering areas with symbolic fencing
Climbing on rocks/groins
Accessing the dunes (except at designated dune crossings)
