SURF CITY, N.J. -- A mile-long stretch of beach in Ocean County was closed after an unseen danger was unearthed: bombs and other munitions dating back to World War II.

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Video: Explosives Found On Beach

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Several unexploded fuses and artillery shell adapters were found in sand recently pumped into Surf City.

The explosives were found in newly placed beach fill in the area between 17th and 24th streets .

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers halted the project and closed the beaches after the discovery was made three weeks ago.

Authorities have posted danger signs at the beaches and blocked off the entrances. Security guards patrol the area around the clock.

“It’s like walking into a landmine,” said Sonny Mack, one of the security guards. “We make sure they stay out. If it wasn’t my job, I wouldn’t be out there.”

State Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, both Democrats, wrote to the Army Corps of Engineers urging them to remove the unexploded munitions by the start of the summer beach season.

On Friday, the agency plans to begin a three-week sweep of the beaches to search for explosives.

Officials hope to have all of the beaches open by Memorial Day weekend, but said it’s possible the work may not be completed.

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