(10/P87) TRENTON - Island Beach State Park in Ocean County will remain open but its waters will be off limits for the next two days to swimmers and surfers due to concerns about the effects of Hurricane Earl, the Department of Environmental Protection announced today.

The hurricane is expected to pose a significant safety threat as a result of heavy surf, dangerously strong rip currents and extreme tides. The Department is taking this precautionary action to safeguard visitors to one of the state’s most popular summertime parks.

The park will remain open for other uses, and the beaches will remain open. It's just off limits to swimmers and surfers. The Department will closely monitor all on-land fishing access, as weather conditions progress.

Based on current weather forecasts, it is expected the State park’s water will re-open to swimmers and surfers on Saturday. We urge all patrons to contact the park office at 732-793-0506 for current conditions and more specific information on the day of your planned visit.

Also visit the DEP Web site at www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/