7 Popular N.J. Beaches Declared 'Safe' Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend is here, meaning it's time for folks in New Jersey--and New York--to flock to the Jersey Shore.

The beaches in Monmouth, Ocean and Cape May Counties are going to be packed for the next three months. Before patrons can enter the water though, they should be aware of whether or not it has been declared safe by environmental officials.

New Jersey conducts weekly bacteria testing of the ocean on Mondays, with results becoming available on Tuesdays, according to the Asbury Park Press. 

Any beaches that fail the initial exams are retested daily throughout the week until their bacteria levels are considered safe. 

"Swimmers should avoid water that is cloudier than usual, discolored or has a bad smell, according to the Centers for Disease Control," the Asbury Park Press says. "To prevent illness, avoid swimming with any cuts or wounds, and keep sand out of children's mouths, according to the agency. If soap and water is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before eating on the beach, according to the CDC."

As of Tuesday, seven beaches at the Jersey Shore have been given the green light to go swimming, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

They are as follows:

• Belmar beach at 5th Avenue.
• Belmar beach at 12th Avenue.
• Belmar beach at 20th Avenue.
• Belmar's L Street beach on the Shark River.
• Point Pleasant Beach's northernmost beach.
• Point Pleasant Beach at Jenkinson's Pavilion.
• Point Pleasant Beach at Maryland Avenue.

Of course, even with those hot spots getting the go-ahead, the weather has to cooperate for beachgoers to take advantage. Unfortunately, the forecast for this Memorial Day Weekend is a wet and cool one.

Rain is expected Thursday, with temperatures only extending into the mid-to-upper 50s. As for Friday through Sunday, they look dry for the moment, but temperatures aren't expected to reach 70 degrees.

That's a bummer, but there are still three-plus months ahead for locals and Bennies alike to enjoy all the Jersey Shore has to offer.