This Memorial Day weekend, visitors hitting the sand along the Jersey Shore will have to follow new rules restricting the use of structures like beach tents and canopies. The aim of these restrictions is to enhance safety by improving lifeguards’ views of the sand and water, as well as making it easier for emergency responders to navigate across the sand in case of emergencies. Several beach municipalities, including popular spots like Asbury Park and Sandy Hook, have implemented restrictions on the size and type of structures allowed on the beach. For example, Asbury Park only allows baby tents and umbrellas no larger than 6 feet wide, while Sandy Hook permits umbrellas smaller than 8 feet. North Wildwood and Brick Township have gone a step further by banning beach tents, canopies, and cabanas in areas with lifeguards, allowing only standard single-pole umbrellas.
North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello explains that the city’s beaches are facing a shortage of available spaces, especially during high tide when sitting space is limited. Severe erosion has contributed to the lack of space on Jersey Shore beaches, prompting officials to plan beach replenishment projects to combat the elements. North Wildwood Beach Patrol Chief Bill Ciavarelli emphasizes the safety benefits of the new rules, particularly in the event of a medical emergency when emergency responders need to maneuver through crowded beaches with little available space. The goal of these restrictions is not to ruin anyone’s fun but to allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy the beach.
Island Beach State Park is also implementing restrictions on beach structures, limiting visitors to umbrellas only at bathing areas during Memorial Day weekend. Tents and canopies will still be allowed in areas where cars are permitted on the beach. Ocean City has restricted tents and canopies to sizes smaller than 10 feet by 10 feet, citing safety concerns during lightning storms when park staff needs to quickly clear people off the beaches. On the other hand, Atlantic City currently has no restrictions against tents or canopies on the beach. These rules and regulations aim to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all beachgoers during the busy holiday weekend.
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, AAA predicts that a record-breaking number of Americans will be traveling, with 43.8 million people expected to travel at least 50 miles between Thursday and Monday. Traffic jams and delays are anticipated on both freeways and at U.S. airports, as millions of travelers hit the road and take to the skies for the holiday weekend. The Transportation Security Administration expects up to 3 million people to pass through airport checkpoints on Friday alone, highlighting the significant travel volume during the Memorial Day holiday. Despite potential congestion, most holiday travelers are anticipated to travel by car, reflecting the enduring popularity of road trips during long weekends.
Overall, the Jersey Shore is implementing new rules and restrictions on beach structures to enhance safety, improve lifeguards’ visibility, and provide emergency responders with better access in case of emergencies. Severe erosion has led to beach space shortages, prompting officials to plan replenishment projects to combat the natural elements. As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Island Beach State Park, Ocean City, and other beach destinations are implementing restrictions on the size and type of beach structures allowed, while Atlantic City currently has no specific rules in place. Despite expected travel congestion on roads and at airports, millions of Americans are expected to hit the road and travel for the holiday weekend, with car travel remaining the most popular choice for holiday travelers.
