Wildwood Crest and Wildwood Release 2026 Beach Lifeguard Schedules

Wildwood Crest and Wildwood Release 2026 Beach Lifeguard Schedules

You can always tell when summer at the Jersey Shore is getting close because the beach patrols start announcing their coverage for the summer.

While this upcoming weekend is the unofficial start of the summer season, it being Memorial Day weekend, what really showcases the start of the summer season is when the lifeguards are on the beach making sure we’re safe.

While Wildwood had announced their beach schedule back in April, Wildwood Crest a few days ago released their 2026 beach lifeguard schedule.

Here is what you need to know.

Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol 2026 Schedule

The Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol announced this week that lifeguards will officially return for Memorial Day Weekend, with protected beaches operating from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., weather permitting.

Coverage will be in place Saturday through Monday during Memorial Day Weekend, followed by additional weekend coverage on May 30-31 and June 6-7.

During the preseason weekends, not every beach entrance will have lifeguards right away.

Some of the protected beaches during those weekends include: Cresse-Morning Glory, Buttercup-Lavender, Heather-Crocus, Wisteria, Rosemary, Fern, Lotus, Stanton, Miami, Charleston, Trenton-Newark and Washington-Jefferson. Several surfing beaches will also have lifeguard coverage, including Aster, Cardinal, Primrose and Rambler-Orchid.

The Hollywood-Topeka surfing beach will only be protected from 10 a.m. until noon during those preseason weekends.

The big transition happens on Saturday, June 13. That is when all beaches in Wildwood Crest officially become protected daily through Labor Day on September 7. Lifeguards will continue operating every day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., weather permitting.

Wildwood Beach Patrol 2026 Schedule

The Wildwood Beach Patrol, lifeguards will officially be on duty Memorial Day Weekend from May 23-25 and then continue coverage on weekends through June 16. Lifeguard hours will run daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during those scheduled coverage days.

Some of the protected beaches during those weekends include: Cresse, Leaming, Rio Grande, Andrews, Baker, Youngs, Spicer, Lincoln, Oak, Maple, Magnolia and 26th Street.

As it starts to get hot out, just a quick reminder to not enter the ocean without lifeguards being present. While the beaches may look calm, rip currents and changing ocean conditions can quickly become dangerous, especially early in the season when water temperatures are still cold.

A BIG reminder, when you go to the beach to enjoy a good swim, please thank your lifeguards who spend the entire summer making sure you and your family are safe. We always suggest a Wawa giftcard!