Lake Garrison Policies & Rules for Visitors & Guests

At Lake Garrison, our goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable, and welcoming environment for our visitors and guests.  The following policies and rules help ensure everyone can enjoy the lake responsibly. 

We appreciate your cooperation and hope you have a safe and fun visit.

Hours of Operation

Lake Garrison's hours of operation are posted below.

Management reserves the right to change or modify the rules at any time. Management reserves the right to modify hours of operation based upon staffing limitations, weather conditions, beach or dock maintenance, or low attendance.

Prohibited Items

For the safety and comfort of all guests, the following are not permitted on Lake Garrison property:

  • Pets (except registered service animals on a leash with their handler, at all times.)

  • Illegal drugs

  • Firearms or weapons of any kind

  • Fireworks

  • Skateboards, rollerblades, or scooters

  • Water balloons

  • Drones

  • Glass containers in beach areas

  • Any dangerous, disruptive, or unsafe accessories

Visitors and guests who bring a prohibited item onto the Lake Garrison property may be asked to leave without a refund of admission charges.

Smoking/Vaping Policy

Smoking is not permitted on the Lake Garrison beach area.  This includes no cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or vape devices.

Water Safety Rules

  • Visitor and guest swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty and only in the designated swimming area.

  • Children under the age of 12 must be supervised by a parent or adult guardian. 

  • Parents and guardians are fully responsible for the safety of their children at all times.

  • Lifeguards are present for emergency response and safety monitoring. They are not babysitters.

  • Observe all posted signage and follow staff instructions at all times.

  • Swimming under docks is not permitted.

  • Running on the docks or engaging in unsafe behavior is prohibited.

  • Inner tubes, rafts, and flotation devices are not permitted in deep water or near docks.  

  • People, especially children, who cannot swim, may not enter deep water.

  • Large floats designed for more than two adults are prohibited.

  • Swimming during electrical storms is strictly prohibited.

  • Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not enter the water.

Picnic Area Rules

  • Pavilions may be rented by contacting lake management or by reserving on our website. (See Plan Your Visit page for details).

  • Picnic table groupings may be rented by contacting the lake management. (See Plan Your Visit page for details).

  • Certain picnic tables may be marked “Reserved” for season pass holders.

  • No hammocks are permitted.

  • Charcoal from grills must be disposed of in designated charcoal disposal containers.

  • Service animals must be on a leash and remain with their handler in all public areas of Lake Garrison.

  • Excessive and/or disruptive volume coming from any speakers is prohibited.

Walk-In Beach Area Rules

  • No smoking.

  • No cooking or grilling.

  • No tents.

Health & Hygiene Guidelines

To protect all guests:

  • Anyone showing signs of communicable illness, skin infections, inflamed eyes, open wounds, excessive sunburn, or bandages may be denied admission.

  • Do not enter the water if you have experienced diarrhea or gastrointestinal illness within the past seven days.

  • Children who wear diapers must use water-safe swim diapers.

  • Please encourage children to use the restroom facilities before entering the water.

  • Report any water-related accidents to a lifeguard immediately.

Lifeguards & Staff Interaction

Lifeguards are responsible for monitoring water safety and responding to emergencies.
They are not customer service representatives. Any questions, concerns, or administrative needs should be directed to the office or management staff.

Failure of staff to immediately enforce a rule does not waive the rule. All rules remain in effect at all times.

Code of Conduct

Lake Garrison is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for guests and staff.

Threatening, abusive, or disruptive behavior toward staff or guests will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Threats of violence

  • Sexist, racist, or homophobic remarks

  • Intimidation or aggressive behavior

  • Visible signs of intoxication

  • Screaming, swearing, or using hostile language

Guests engaging in such behavior may be removed from the property without a refund of admission charges. Continuing misbehavior may result in police intervention.

Missing Child Procedures

If a child is reported missing, Lake Garrison will immediately initiate a missing person search under the direction of lifeguards and management.

  • Guests may be asked to assist under staff guidance.

  • Certain areas may be temporarily cleared or restricted during the search.

  • If your child is missing or if you observe a caregiver searching frantically for a child, notify the nearest staff member immediately.

Your prompt communication helps ensure everyone’s safety.

Watercraft Rules

Lake Garrison has multiple types of watercraft available for rent, including paddleboats, kayaks, rowboats, and canoes. Visitors and guests are not permitted to bring private watercraft onto Lake Garrison property.

Children under twelve (12) years old must wear a life preserver when using a Lake Garrison watercraft.

Watercraft are not permitted in the designated swimming area.

All watercraft must remain a safe distance from the dam spillway and any lake fountain.

Jumping or swimming from boats is not permitted.

Lake Garrison is not responsible for loss or damage to personal items during use of its watercraft. Please make sure all personal items are secure and safe during use of our watercraft.

Persons renting a Lake Garrison watercraft are responsible for any damage to the watercraft or other Lake Garrison property.

In the event of a storm, please dock your watercraft immediately and seek appropriate cover in a car or building.

Watercraft rented from Lake Garrison may be used for fishing if the visitor /guest provides a valid New Jersey fishing license before using the watercraft.

Compliance & Enforcement

Failure to comply with Lake Garrison policies may result in:

  • Temporary suspension of privileges

  • Removal from the property

  • Loss of membership without refund

  • Police intervention

Thank you for helping us keep Lake Garrison safe, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone.