By MADDY VITALE
In a season when positive and encouraging trends are desperately needed, beach tag sales in Ocean City seem to be one indicator that people are getting out and spreading out on the seven miles of sand that the resort has to offer.
“We just got the June numbers in and they were great, almost doubled June of 2019,” Chief Financial Officer Frank Donato said Wednesday.
Beach tag revenue covers the cost of keeping the beaches clean, employing lifeguards, hiring summer police officers, and paying for the city’s share of beach replenishment projects in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Donato said the increase in revenue is due, in part, to the city extending the pre-season discount through June from $25 for a seasonal tag to $20. The end of the discounted rate is typically the end of May.
For June of 2019, the total revenue for tags was $623,000. For this June, it was $1.16 million.
“Obviously, this is not apples to appeals. It is from continuing to do the discounted rate at the $20 not $25 through June,” Donato explained.
Donato offered a reason why there was a dramatic increase in the beach tag revenue from June of 2019 to this June.
“A lot of people held off on buying their season tags in April and May because of not knowing the status of beaches and what the summer would look like,” he said. “As we got into June, people felt more confident to purchase the season tags.”
The year-to-date totals for the beach tags this season are $2,710,000, down a little from last year at this time of $2,744,000.
“So, we are $34,000 behind last year as of June 30, which is really good news considering the circumstances and the slow start to the season,” Donato said.
When it comes to the beaches in Ocean City, which are much longer than those in neighboring towns, sunbathers are seeking to escape from the stresses of the pandemic, the June beach tag sales suggest.
On recent weekends, beachgoers appeared to be separating from others through the use of tents, cabanas and choosing spots to lounge on towels at least six feet from others, the recommended space for social distancing.
Ocean City officials continue to urge visitors to adhere to Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive orders and follow safety protocols to lessen the spread of the coronavirus, including maintaining six feet of separation between strangers, wearing face coverings, and using hand sanitizer.
There are messages played over the loudspeaker on the Boardwalk about safety measures, hand sanitizing stations are installed in the city and on the Boardwalk, and signage details the importance of following social distancing guidelines.
The city also gives out face masks to anyone who needs them at the welcome centers in town, on the Route 52 Causeway and at the Music Pier.
Beach tags may be purchased at the Roy Gillian Welcome Center, City Hall, the Music Pier, and other locations in town. They may also be bought online on the city’s website at www.ocnj.us/beachtags.
