Lavallette life boat. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
With the “official” bathing season arriving on the precipice of the first day of summer, Lavallette officials say they are gearing up for one of the busiest seasons ever – and one record has already been broken.
Besides having so many residents and visitors in town over the recent Memorial Day holiday that more than 1 million gallons of water were required on a daily basis, the opening of guarded beaches brought its own record-breaker: 300 season beach badges sold in a single day – this past Saturday – representing the most badges sold in a single day in the town’s history.
With the opening of bathing season also came the annual discussion on the presence of bicycles on the boardwalk. Back-and-forth schedules have been proposed in recent years, but officials say they may have found the sweet spot that satisfies pedestrians, bicyclists and beachcombers all at once. The schedule for bicycles to be allowed on the boardwalk will remain the same as last summer: 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day.
With summer’s arrival also comes two beach-related programs: a bathing suit and swim goggle drive, and summer swimming lessons for children.
According to Council President Anita Zalom, new boys’ and girls’ bathing suits or swim goggles that would fit children are being collected and may be dropped off at 114 New York Avenue. The suits and goggles will be donated to children in swim lesson programs whose families cannot afford swimwear. Zalom said swimsuits are required to be worn by any child taking a lesson in New Jersey.
Lavallette will host two of its own youth swimming programs this summer, led by the Beach Patrol.
The first, basic swimming lessons, are for children ages 5-10 years old. Children will be placed accordingly in a group for lessons twice a week that last 30 minutes. The schedule will depend on demand and the availability of lifeguards to instruct.
Lavallette also offers its Junior Lifeguard program. In this program, older guards will teach the importance of water safety, lifeguard techniques, and team collaboration. Junior Guards will focus on practicing essential lifeguarding skills such as swimming, paddling and running. They will also participate in fun, team collaborative games and events similar to the ones in lifeguard tournaments.
“This program is perfect for those who are interested in learning more about lifeguarding, water safety and our beach patrol!” an announcement said.
The Junior Lifeguard program is aimed at children 10-15 years old with good swimming ability.
Swimmers must be able to swim 100 yards non-stop. The program’s details are:
● Ages 10-12 – Tuesdays and Thursdays
● Ages 13-15 – Monday, Wednesday, Friday
● Dates: Starts July 8, 20024
● Program runs 10:00am-11:30am
● Program takes place at Philadelphia Avenue at the Ocean.
A printable application is available online or can be picked up at borough hall.
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