Mr. Mostrangeli:

I cannot speak specifically for Surf City lifeguards policies, but I, as a former Island guard, can tell youthatthose cramped swim spaces are there for good reasons.

The swim zone length, if you will, usually changes on a daily basis depending on the swimming conditions. On days when there are bad rips, undertows, bad shorebreak, etc., these zones are kept small so the guards can more easily keep an eye on their swimmers. Days where it’s calm, you might notice the swim zone expands.

July 27, 2016