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National Parks are under the stewardship and care of the National Park Service

Rules & Permits for Jamaica Bay Unit

Visitor Information and Regulations:
Uniformed National Park Service employees can answer your questions about regulations or other matters. Look for them - they are here to help you. In case of an accident, first aid needs, or other emergencies, notify a Park Ranger or an officer of the US Park Police.

1. At each Gateway unit there is at least one location with toilet facilities for disabled persons. Call the specific unit in advance to discuss your visit.
2. Parking is free at all Gateway National Recreation Area sites, except Jacob Riis Park and Sandy Hook from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
3. Glass containers are not allowed on the beach. Broken glass can cause serious injuries. As a safeguard, wear foot covering while on the beach.
4. Sand dunes are easily destroyed - don't walk on them. Remember that dunes allow vegetation to grow behind the dune line by cutting the strength of sea winds and buffering the effect of ocean storms.
5. Lifeguards are at designated beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For your safety, swim only at these protected areas.
6. Fires are prohibited except by permit or in designated areas, and then are allowed only in fireplace grates. Extinguish burning charcoal by soaking it thoroughly with water.
7. No flotation devices allowed, except where a beach sign is specifically posted for such activities.
8. Dogs are prohibited on the beach, except seeing-eye dogs. Elsewhere, all pets must be leashed or kept in restraint.
9. Riding bicycles on the boardwalks is prohibited from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
10. Wear sturdy footwear while fishing from a jetty. The rocks are sharp and very slippery.
11. At Jacob Riis Park, avoid traffic by using the underpass to get from the parking lot to the beach.
12. Park only in designated areas and on paved surfaces - and avoid becoming stuck in the sand. The National Park Service does not provide towing services. If you do get stuck, you will have to call a toll truck and pay all charges.
13. Large areas of the park are off-limits for the protection of nesting birds. Some of these birds are on the endangered species list; please observe signs that mark their nesting areas and stay away. Failure to stay out of nesting areas is a violation of the US Code of Federal Regulations. Violators are subject to a $500 fine, six months in prison, or both.
14. Within military areas of Gateway there are many old gun positions; some date back to the 1800s. Most have fallen into disrepair. Unlighted passageways conceal sudden drop-offs. Age and weather have weakened the structures and magnified their inherent dangers. We advise you to stay away from them.
15. Motorcycles must stay on park roads. They are not permitted on oversand routes in the park.
16. Poison ivy is abundant throughout the park. Remember the adage: "leaflets of three, let it be."
17. The parks' boundaries are irregular, and you may inadvertently find yourself on private property. Please respect the owners' rights, and do not trespass.
18. Do not litter. Please recycle and use trashcans.
19. No fishing license is required for saltwater fishing, but you must observe state game and fish laws that apply to size and number of fish.
20. Permits are required for vehicle parking while fishing. View or print the Fishing Parking Permit Program for 2-wheel drive vehicles.

Permits:
Permits are required for activities such as fishing, bird watching-nature study, picnicking, camping, and boating. For more information concerning permits, please contact the visitor center at 718-338-3338.

 Fishing line recycling stations are placed throughout the park: please use them!National Park Service Rangers can provide important information to help you safely enjoy the ParksNational Park Service Rangers can be found at visitor contacts or out in the Parks