Beaches at Gateway National Recreation Area

On The Beach

NPS Photo

Gateway has three beaches designated for swimming: Jacob Riis Park, Great Kills Park and Sandy Hook. Lifeguards are on duty at the areas listed below between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day.

Jacob Riis Park Beach:
Bays 2, 3, and 5: Lifeguards on duty 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Bays 6 through 12: No Lifeguards. Open to beach access.
Bay 1 and Bay 4 (Bay 3 west and Bay 5 east): Closed due to Erosion
Bays with Red Flags indicate No Swimming, No Lifeguards
Lifeguarded Bays will change throughout the season.
Additional closures may be necessary due to erosion

Sandy Hook Unit:
Beach C and Beach D: Lifeguards on duty 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Gunnison Beach and North Beach will not have lifeguards on duty throughout the season. Open to beach access.

Great Kills Park Beach:
Lifeguards on duty daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Areas with Red Flags indicate No Swimming, No Lifeguards.


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)

Great Kills Park is open daily from 6 am to 9 pm
Jacob Riis Park is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm
Sandy Hook is open daily from 6 am to 9 pm

Interested in fishing at the beach? Find out more on our fishing page.