FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2005

Contact: Peter Boger (609) 292-2994
Dana Loschiavo (609) 984-1423

DEP WILL OPEN STATE SWIMMING AREAS ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

(05/67) TRENTON -- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reminds residents that the summer season will begin this Memorial Day weekend with the opening on Saturday, May 28, of New Jersey's 14 swimming areas located in state parks, forests and recreation areas.

"New Jersey's freshwater lakes and the beach at Island Beach State Park are great recreational resources for residents and out-of-state visitors, " said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "We encourage everyone to take time to visit and enjoy these scenic areas this summer."

The DEP will open all swimming areas, operating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. unless otherwise posted. Swimming areas will be open on the following schedule:

• Cheesequake State Park, High Point State Park, Ringwood State Park, Spruce Run Recreation Area, Swartswood State Park and Wawayanda State Park swimming areas will immediately be open seven days a week.
• Island Beach State Park's ocean swimming area will operate weekends only until June 19, then seven days a week beginning June 20.
• Bass River State Forest, Belleplain State Forest, Parvin State Park, Round Valley Recreation Area and Stokes State Forest swimming areas are open weekends only until the end of June.
• Atsion Recreation Area within Wharton State Forest and Hopatcong State Park's swimming areas will be open Wednesdays through Sundays until additional lifeguards are hired.

For more information on availability, contact individual parks before you visit. Information can be found by visiting the DEP web site at http://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/parkindex.html.

DEP also reminds the public that it is still seeking applicants to fill lifeguard positions at many swimming areas. Testing, training and certification are provided free of charge. More information is available by contacting individual parks.

Below is a contact list for designated swimming areas.

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DESIGNATED SWIMMING AREAS