August 2022
The Sand Paper A Newsletter from The Sandy Hook Foundation
Dear Friends of Sandy Hook,

The dog days of summer are here and Sandy Hook continues to welcome thousands of visitors every day. Cool ocean water beckons and lifeguards are working hard. We hope you will enjoy our talk with head lifeguard Tom McLoughlin who has been working at Sandy Hook for 54 years!

August is a month of celebration! On August 7 we will commemorate National Lighthouse Day. Sandy Hook's beacon is especially significant as the oldest continually operating lighthouse in the United States. On August 25 please make a trip to Sandy Hook to celebrates the formation of the National Park Service 106 years ago - "America's Best Idea." Celebrate Gateway National Recreation Area's establishment in 1972 with the Great Gateway 50th Challenge. Participate in Sandy Hook's many planned activities and work your way toward earning a commemorative pin. Download the score card HERE and track your progress!

We hope your remaining weeks of summer are filled with adventure, fun, and relaxation at our beautiful National Park, Sandy Hook, where you will find something new around every corner.

The Staff and Board of Trustees of the Sandy Hook Foundation
Sandy Hook's Benefit Beach Concert Bash!
Back by popular demand, The Sandy Hook Foundation is very pleased to bring you our second annual Beach Concert Bash on Saturday, September 10 (rain date Sunday, September 11) at Beach E. Groove to the best sounds of the Jersey Shore with the Moroccan Sheepherders, The Eddie Testa Band, and The Danjos and Friends! Guests are invited to visit the new Beer Garden on the Beach at the show (21+ with valid ID to enter Beer Barden).

Meet Tom McLoughlin
Chief Lifeguard

Tom McLoughlin became a lifeguard at Sandy Hook in 1969, when he was just 16 years old. He has returned every year since and is now the Chief Lifeguard at Gateway National Recreation Area’s Sandy Hook Unit. 

Originally, Tom was employed by Sandy Hook State Park. In 1972, when Sandy Hook became part of Gateway National Recreation Area, Tom officially began his career with the National Park Service. 

Prior to being old enough to work at Sandy Hook, Tom worked at a luncheonette, but he realized he wanted to spend his summers working outdoors. Inspired by his brother, who was a lifeguard, Tom became a lifeguard at Sandy Hook and has returned for the past 54 summers.

After graduating college, Tom taught physics at Saint John Vianney High School in Holmdel for 41 years, still spending his spring and summers lifeguarding at Sandy Hook. In 1982, Tom became the Chief Lifeguard at Sandy Hook.

Tom spends the spring months getting ready for the beach season. He interviews lifeguard applicants who must be at least 16 years old. They must be good freestyle swimmers who can pass both the pool test and the ocean test. Applicants should be in good physical condition and must have security, drug, and medical clearance. Once hired, lifeguards receive 4-5 days of training where they learn the lifeguarding techniques they will need in the performance of rescues. They also receive first aid and CPR training and learn beach and Park regulations. 

Once the season opens, the lifeguards at Sandy Hook begin their day by setting up their equipment. After a morning workout session from 9:00-10:00, they are ready to serve the public lifeguarding from 10:00 until 6:00. Tom’s lifeguards practice preventive lifeguarding. This means, they anticipate when a swimmer has the potential for being in trouble. For example, over the past ten years Sandy Hook has seen a lot of sand bars develop off the beach. These are attractive to visitors, especially during low tide when people can get too confident and go out too far. Visitors love the sandbars, as they make great wave breaks where it is fun to ride the waves. Lifeguards watch these sand bars carefully. As the tide rolls in, they will urge swimmers to move closer to the shore, before the swimmer is in actual trouble. Another way the lifeguards practice preventive lifeguarding is to watch the rip currents, where swimmers can easily find themselves in distress. The Sandy Hook lifeguards perform hundreds of rescues each summer, many of which are preventive rescues initiated before the swimmer is in more serious trouble and begins to panic. Lifeguards use various forms of equipment in their rescues, such as torpedo buoys, lines, rescue boards, and boats. A whistle is also an important tool for all lifeguards. 

Tom wants all visitors to the ocean to know a few safety rules:
  • Know your own swimming ability and limitations
  • Always swim near a lifeguard
  • Never swim alone or on an unguarded beach
  • Watch the flag surf warnings
  • Respect the ocean

Tom grew up in Middletown and learned to swim at the now closed Sandlass Beach Club that was located at the entrance to Sandy Hook. Tom is married and has three sons, who were all lifeguards, and five grandchildren. Tom’s family enjoys surfing in the ocean with ‘Pop-Pop.’

Tom truly loves his job as a lifeguard and would like to encourage everyone to consider this as a seasonal career. He enjoys watching the young lifeguards develop strong work ethics and camaraderie, and he finds it satisfying to see them take on the job of embracing responsibility to ensure the safety of visitors. Tom works with lifeguards who range in age from 16 to the more experienced adults who return year after year. 

There is currently a lifeguard shortage throughout the local area, including Sandy Hook. This year, Tom is down 35 lifeguards from his targeted full staff. This has resulted in several beach closures at Sandy Hook. And, beginning August 1st, Tom will be losing some lifeguards who will be returning to college. 

Tom highly recommends lifeguarding at Sandy Hook as a satisfying career where you get to work with great people while helping the public safely enjoy the beauty of Sandy Hook. He urges future lifeguards to learn to swim at a young age by taking swimming lessons and joining swim teams. 

Stop by the Sandy Hook Lifeguard Station in Lot D, and say hi to Tom. He will be happy to share his wonderful experiences as a Sandy Hook lifeguard.
New signage along the MUP trail indicates where water and bike repair stations can be found, and the QR code links to a map of the park. Thanks to the volunteer group Groundwork Hudson Valley for their help with the installation.
So Much to Do on Sandy Hook
This summer be sure to visit our park partners and vendors and take advantage of all Sandy Hook has to offer! Sandy Hook Kayaks and SUP rentals open on Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day). There are two beautiful and restored houses to rent within Fort Hancock. Sandy Hook Rentals has a house on Officers Row to rent, and another rental property is just around the corner and available through AirBNB. Bikes, beach chairs and umbrellas are available beginning Memorial Day weekend at Sandy Hook Beach Rentals. Be sure to stop by at McFly's inside the old Post Exchange for array of food, snacks, beverages, ice cream and oddities! And, don’t forget Sandy Hook has its own Park Store, located inside the Visitor’s Center at the Lighthouse Keepers Quarters. Here you can find items related to Sandy Hook’s history, open daily from 9 AM - 5 PM.
The Sandy Hook Foundation Is Charity Partner for Jersey Shore Half Marathon
The Sandy Hook Foundation is pleased to be named as the official Charity Partner of the 2022 Jersey Shore Half Marathon scheduled for October 2 on Sandy Hook and produced by the Shore Athletic Club, (Shore A.C.). During registration, participants will have the option to make a tax-deductible donation to The Sandy Hook Foundation through the event website, to support our work within the park. The Foundation will also be present on race day. For more information about The Sandy Hook Foundation, please email info@sandyhooknj.org, visit the website at www.sandyhooknj.org, or call 732-291-7733.

For questions or more information about the Jersey Shore Half Marathon, contact race coordinator Erin O’Neill. Both groups look forward to seeing you at the beach on Sunday, October 2, 2022.
The Sandy Hook Foundation (SHF) achieved the 2022 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar/Candid, the highest level of transparency. Guidestar's mission is to revolutionize philanthropy by providing information that advances transparency, enables users to make better decisions, and encourages charitable giving.
Sandy Hook Lighthouse Tours
Tours are first-come, first-served. Children must be 48 inches tall to climb the tower. Lighthouse tour sign-ups start at 12:30PM in the 1883 Keeper’s Quarters. Visit the lighthouse keepers quarters exhibits on  New Jersey lighthouses, a rotating art exhibit, and visit the park store. Grounds and video in adjacent barn are always open.
Daily, 1 PM to 4:30 PM  
Call (732) 872-5970 for more information.  

The Sandy Hook Visitor Center & Park Store, located inside the Lighthouse Keepers Quarters, is open daily, 9 AM – 5 PM  

History House, Building #1 
An 1898 lieutenant’s quarters on “Officers Row” overlooking Sandy Hook Bay is furnished to the WWII era, the busiest time in the Fort’s history.  
Fort Hancock Historic Post, Officer’s Row 
Daily, 1 PM – 5 PM 

Nike Missile Radar Site 
Tour the Nike Integrated Fire Control (IFC) Area to experience where nuclear armed Nike Hercules Missiles were controlled and guided during the Cold War defense of the New York metropolitan area. While taking a guided tour of this one-time secret missile site, you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with some of the veterans who worked the Cold War era Nike Air Defense System.  
Parking Lot L at Horseshoe Cove
Saturday 8/13 , Sunday 8/21 
12 PM – 4 PM 

Fort Hancock Post Museum, Building #28
From the Revolutionary War to the Cold War, Sandy Hook boasts a rich military history. Stop in and learn Sandy Hook’s history from cannons to missiles. 
Saturdays and Sundays, through August 28 
1 PM – 5 PM 
Saturday morning yoga with instructor Tony Costa, Beach E
WEEKLY PROGRAMS in the Park
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS and FRIDAYS

Canoe Cruises
Take a two-mile morning paddle to explore Sandy Hook Bay from an ideal vantage point—the water itself. Rangers guide you on a two-and-a-half-hour tour of the bayside waters and Skeleton Hill Island.
Life-Saving Station Parking Lot (between Lot D and Lot E) 
Through August 29 
9:15 AM – 12 PM Go to www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to make your reservation. Fee-based program. 

SATURDAYS
Yoga on the Beach  
Sponsored by The Sandy Hook Foundation, begin your Saturday with a peaceful, yet vigorous, traditional Vinyasa yoga practice on the beach. The practice is open to everyone and all levels, from beginners to advanced, and will focus on flowing through basic poses and maintaining poses with proper alignment. Please bring a large, sturdy beach blanket and wear light, comfortable workout attire. Hydration is also important, so please bring your own water (refillable bottles). Please be advised there is no beach fee waiver for this program.
Parking Lot D – North Chute 
June 4 – August 29 
8 AM – 9 AM 

SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS
Birding on the Deck 
Visit a ranger on top of the observation deck, rebuilt by The Sandy Hook Foundation. A scope will be set up to view and learn how to identify osprey, egrets, and songbirds. 
Observation Deck @ Lot M 
9 AM – 11 AM 

WEDNESDAYS
Jr. Junior Ranger Programs: Ages 3 - 6
This free program teaches young children about the habitats and history of Sandy Hook through fun, hands-on activities. Children will learn through hikes, walks and demonstrations. Parents are required to accompany their children for program duration. Space is limited, please call (732) 872-5970 to make your reservation. Free.
August 10: Let's Bee Friends, Guardian Park
August 17: Sensory Nature Walk, Guardian Park
August 24: What Does a Park Ranger Do?, Guardian Park
10 AM - 11 AM

PROGRAMS in AUGUST
Stars of Sandy Hook
Join STAR and a park ranger to view the night skies. It is the best time of the month to observe the planet Saturn in the eastern skies. Bring binoculars and/or telescopes. There will also be scopes set up for your use.
Beach Plaza @ Lot E
Wednesday, August 3
8:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Twilight Seining 
Beach seining involves dragging a large seine net with two poles on each end through the water to catch various marine species. We provide chest waders for all the participants to keep dry while assisting our rangers with dragging the seine net. The participants will have the opportunity to have hands-on interaction with the animals caught including different types of crabs, killifish, Atlantic silverside, pipefish, shrimp and more! Don’t forget to wear good sand walking shoes and bug repellent.
Bayside Beach at Lot C 
Thursday, August 4
6 PM – 7:30 PM 
Free, call (732) 872-5970 to make reservations. 

Fort Hancock Bike Tour 
Join a ranger on a guided bicycle tour of Fort Hancock, highlighting everything from batteries to beaches. Bring your bicycle and bike helmet.
Theater Parking Lot - Building 67 
Friday, August 5
5 PM – 7 PM 
Call (732) 872-5970 to make a reservation. ♥ 3 miles. 

National Lighthouse Day
National Lighthouse Day honors the beacon of light that for hundreds of years symbolized safety and security for ships at sea. Visit the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and learn about the oldestoperating lighthouse in the nation with the long-serving Lighthuse Keeper Samuel P. Jewell (1869 - 1909). Learn what it was like to be a lighthouse keeper during the 18th Entury. Must be 48" or taller to climb the lighthouse, wear appropriate footwear. Tours are first-come, first-served.
Sunday, August 7
12 PM - 4 PM

Facebook Live - Coffee with a Ranger
Join the live video or pre-register in the events tab on the park's Facebook page HERE. Topic TBD.
Monday, August 8
10 AM - 11 AM

Family Friendly Campfire on the Beach 
Sing silly Sandy Hook songs with park rangers and hear true stories from days of yore surrounding the history and mysteries of the Hook. Participants are encouraged to bring beach blankets or chairs, snacks, bug spray, family and friends! NO ALCOHOL allowed during the program. Parents must supervise their children.
North Beach Chute at Lot E 
Friday, August 12
7:30 PM – 9 PM 
Free. No reservation is required.

Restoring Battery Gunnison/New Battery Peck
The Army Ground Forces Association is a volunteer group in WWII era uniform performing restoration projects and interpreting Battery Gunnison/New Battery Peck. Visitors are invited to stop by to chat and learn more about their restoration efforts and the historic time period of August 1943 at Fort Hancock.
Gunnison Beach Plaza
Saturday, August 13
12 PM - 5 PM

Going Bunkers: Nine Gun Battery
Explore and tour the north end of Fort Hancock's Nine Gun Battery, the longest gun battery the United States Army ever built for harbor defense. When construction began in 1897, the battery was originally intended to mount three 10-inch disappearing guns, but when construction was completed in 1904 an additional six 12-inch caliber disapperaing guns were emplaed, creating a nine-gun battery that operated until 1944.
Parking Lot M
Sunday, August 21
6 pm - 7:30 PM
Free, Call (732) 872-5970 to make a reservation.

Fort Hancock Bike Tour 
Join a ranger on a guided bicycle tour of Fort Hancock, highlighting everything from batteries to beaches. Bring your bicycle and bike helmet.
Theater Parking Lot - Building 67 
Saturday, August 27
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM 
Call (732) 872-5970 to make a reservation. ♥ 3
miles. 

Facebook Live - Coffee with a Ranger
Join the live video or pre-register in the events tab on the park's Facebook page HERE. Topic TBD.
Monday, August 29
10 AM - 11 AM

Night Prowl
Explore the Sandy Hook holly forest on this sensory led tour with a ranger. Bring a flashlight, bug repellant, and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Beach Plaza at Lot E
Wednesday, August 31
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Free, Call 732-872-5970 to make a reservation.
1 mile

Junior Ranger Programs
Junior Ranger Light Keeper
Celebrate this great day by climbing the lighthouse with Lighthouse Keeper Samuel Jewell and learn what it was like to be a lighthouse keeper during the 18th century. Must be 48" or taller.
LHKQ/Visitors Center
Thursday, August 11
10 AM - 12 PM

Junior Marine Invader
Participate in citizen scientist work by helping rangers find, catch, identify and track non-native/invasive Asian Shore Crab, and explore its potential impact on native crab species. Parents required to stay with their children for program duration. Be prepared to get wet!
Horseshoe Cove
Tuesday, August 16
100 AM - 11:30 AM

Junior Ranger Going Batty
Learn about various types of bats - their behavior, how they communicate, and why they are so important to the Sandy Hook ecosystem.
North Beach Plaza
Tuesday, August 23
7 pm - 8:30 PM
The Sandy Hook Foundation, a designated
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the Official Friends Group of the
National Park Service at Sandy Hook.
We rely on your support and every donation is meaningful.
Please, consider your contribution today.
Contact Us!
The Sandy Hook Foundation
84 Mercer Road
Lighthouse Keepers' Quarters
Fort Hancock, NJ 07732
732-291-7733
www.sandyhooknj.org