Seaside Park, NJ — Smoke drifting south from wildfires burning in Canada and Minnesota prompted New Jersey State Parks to impose swimming restrictions Friday, reducing beach capacity and temporarily closing one swimming area at Island Beach State Park because of poor air quality.
Canada has been the source of news in recent days at the Jersey Shore. Just a few miles north of Island Beach State Park. Canadian illegal migrant Kaitlyn Tracey was arrested and detained by ICE after she smacked a teenager for wearing Trump-themed clothing on the Point Pleasant Boardwalk.
Then Canada began sending millions of tons of smoke and polluction across the entire Mid-Atlantic and Ohio regions.
On Friday, July 17, state park officials announced that Swimming Area 1 at Island Beach State Park remained open, while Swimming Area 2 was closed as part of operational changes designed to protect lifeguards and park staff from prolonged exposure to smoky conditions.
Poor air quality affected beach operations
New Jersey State Parks said the reduced swimming capacity was implemented to allow lifeguards and other employees more frequent breaks while working outdoors.
“Smoke from wildfires in Minnesota and Canada continues to affect air quality across New Jersey today,” the agency said in Friday’s advisory. “New Jersey State Parks strongly encourages park visitors to limit outdoor activity, especially if you are in a sensitive group.”
The agency added that normal beach operations would resume once air quality improved.
Wildfire smoke reached New Jersey
The smoke originated from ongoing wildfires burning across Canada, with additional smoke from fires in Minnesota contributing to hazy skies and degraded air quality throughout parts of New Jersey.
State officials urged older adults, children, and people with heart or lung conditions to reduce prolonged outdoor activity while air quality remained poor.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection continued monitoring conditions and directed residents to check updated air quality reports before heading outdoors.
Source: New Jersey State Parks.
