Boardwalks, Beaches, and Blue Skies: New Jersey Coastline Begins Summer in Strong Shape
“New Jersey’s beaches narrowly escaped disaster when the most memorable storm of the season – the Blizzard of 2026 – changed course, increasing snowfall totals, but minimizing the coastal erosion associated with the storm,” Dr. Jon K. Miller said. “Thanks to this fortuitous turn of events, and what was otherwise an extraordinarily calm winter storm season, most New Jersey beaches remain in good shape heading into the summer season.”
The annual State of the Shore event takes place each year before Memorial Day Weekend. This year, the 24th Annual State of the Shore brought encouraging news from keynote speakers: Nick Angarone, Chief Resilience Officer at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and Dr. Jon K. Miller, Coastal Processes Specialist at New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium.
“The annual State of the Shore event has heralded the start of the summer tourism season in New Jersey for more than two decades,” said NJDEP Chief Resilience Officer Angarone. “This summer promises to be a special one, so get out there and enjoy.”
After a winter that brought only limited storm impacts to much of the coastline, New Jersey’s beaches are entering the 2026 season in strong shape, with beach nourishment and dune protection projects continuing to strengthen vulnerable areas. While forecasters predict a near-to-slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season, coastal experts continue to stress the importance of staying informed and prepared throughout the summer months.
“New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is pleased to partner with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for our annual State of the Shore event and looks forward to working with Commissioner Ed Potosnak to protect our coastline,” said New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium Executive Director Dr. Peter Rowe.
Remember to swim safely; keep an eye out for rip currents and always follow lifeguard instructions. For now, though, the Shore is ready, and millions of residents and visitors are gearing up for another season of memories along New Jersey’s coast.
Read the full 2026 State of Shore report here!
Watch the 24th Annual State of the Shore on our YouTube Channel.
Photo Caption: (From right to left) Nick Angarone (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection), Dr. Jon K. Miller (New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium & Stevens Institute of Technology), Dr. Peter M. Rowe (New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium), Dr. Josh Kohut (Rutgers University), Dr. Reza Marsooli (Stevens Institute of Technology), and Dr. Philip Orton (Stevens Institute of Technology).
What's Related