Lifeguards, although certified, are not "full time" employees. They would have to have several shifts, meaning hiring even more to extend the hours. I am surprised in NJ that they even allow paying to get onto the beaches, since any land directly affected by the daily tides is considered public property, meaning you can't prevent anybody from being on it. I had a bayfront house on Barnegat Bay, until Sandy took it away. While not affected by riptides, I always tried to keep an eye on my kids, being right on the water. Signs are posted. If you live down near the ocean beaches, you would have to keep your young children from going to the beach without guardianship. Easier said than done. Should people be prevented from walking near the surf in the evening? I can't say. When I was 18, I went into the ocean and there was an extremely strong under tow. My friend had to escort me out of the ocean even though I was only waist deep. Gotta respect the ocean...