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DEP Opens Swimming Areas Memorial Day Weekend at State Parks, Forests and Recreation Areas
(03/75) TRENTON – Beginning Saturday, May 24, 2003, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) invites visitors to kick off their summer season at New Jersey's state swimming areas located in state parks, forests and recreation areas.
"New Jersey's freshwater lakes and the swimming beaches at Island Beach State Park are great recreational resources for residents and out-of-state visitors, and we hope everyone takes time to visit and enjoy these scenic areas, " said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell.
The DEP's State Park Service operates its lake swimming areas from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (unless otherwise posted). All areas are open Memorial Day weekend, with the exception of Cheesequake State Park, where the recruitment of lifeguards is ongoing.
Swimming areas in the southern part of the state at Bass River State Park, Belleplain State Forest, Island Beach State Park, Parvin State Park and at the Atsion Recreation Area in Wharton State Forest are open weekends only, until June 22.
Round Valley and Spruce Run Recreation Areas are open seven days a week.
To accommodate visitors in the northern part of the state, the swimming areas at Ringwood and Wawayanda State Parks are open seven days a week beginning this Memorial Day weekend. The northern lakes at High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest and Swartswood State Park are open on weekends and on a rotating schedule during the week until June 25, at which time they will operate seven days a week. Hopatcong State Park 's swimming area is open Wednesdays through Sundays until additional lifeguards are hired. For more information on availability contact the park prior to visiting.
Lifeguard positions are still available at the following areas: Bass River State Forest, Belleplain State Forest, Cheesequake State Park, Hopatcong State Park and at the Atsion Recreation Area in Wharton State Forest. Testing, training and certification are provided free of charge. Contact the individual area of interest for more information.
DESIGNATED SWIMMING AREAS
| Atsion Recreation Area, Wharton State Forest, Hammonton |
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609-268-0444 |
| Bass River State Forest, New Gretna |
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609-296-1114 |
| Belleplain State Forest, Woodbine |
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609-861-2404 |
| Cheesequake State Park, Matawan |
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732-566-2161 |
| High Point State Park, Sussex |
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973-875-4800 |
| Hopatcong State Park, Landing |
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973-398-7010 |
| Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park (Ocean) |
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732-793-0506 |
| Parvin State Park, Pittsgrove |
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856-358-8616 |
| Ringwood State Park, Ringwood |
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973-962-7031 |
| Round Valley Recreation Area, Lebanon |
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908-236-6355 |
| Spruce Run Recreation Area, Clinton |
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908-638-8572 |
| Stokes State Forest, Branchville |
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973-948-3820 |
| Swartswood State Park, Swartswood |
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973-383-5230 |
| Wawayanda State Park, Highland Lakes |
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973-853-4462 |
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OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY