"Full Access" to Ocean City Beaches Starting Saturday

DWitt

A sign attached to the fence at the Ocean City Skate Park spells out the updated crowd restrictions.

By DONALD WITTKOWSKI Get those beach chairs, towels and umbrellas ready. Sunscreen is optional. Come Saturday, Ocean City will open up the beaches to the activities people typically enjoy during the summer season, including sunbathing, sitting in chairs and lying on towels. “Full access to all beach activities, including sunbathing in chairs, will open on Saturday, May 16,” the city announced Thursday on its website. Although some of the coronavirus restrictions are being lifted, social distancing guidelines will remain in place, including the recommendation to remain at least 6 feet apart from strangers. “The city administration is still planning for awareness and enforcement of social distancing guidelines,” city spokesman Doug Bergen said in an email. “But the reality is that, with eight miles of beach, the key to success will lie in people taking personal responsibility to follow the rules. With nice weather expected, the weekend should provide a glimpse of some of the challenges ahead.” People should wear face coverings when social distancing isn’t possible, city officials say. The 6-foot separation guideline does not apply to family members or people with close personal relationships. Mayor Jay Gillian closed Ocean City’s beaches and Boardwalk on March 25 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The beaches reopened on May 9, but activities were limited to walking, running, surfing, exercising and fishing. Sunbathing, sitting in chairs, lying on towels, swimming, gathering in groups or playing group sports have been prohibited. But starting Saturday, the city is planning to allow normal activities to resume as long as people practice social distancing. Updates are provided on the city’s coronavirus information page. Lifeguards begin protecting Ocean City’s beaches on Memorial Day weekend. Beachgoers are advised to swim only at protected beaches. The Boardwalk is open for walking, running, bicycling and for access to takeout food. Social distancing guidelines are also in effect for the Boardwalk. Public restrooms on the Boardwalk are open and being sanitized throughout the day. Hand sanitization stations have been installed at regular intervals along the Boardwalk, Bergen said. The Ocean City Municipal Golf Course is open with restrictions. The Ocean City Skate Park is also open with restrictions. The Ocean City Dog Park is open to members, with social distancing guidelines in effect. Recreational fields are open. The tennis courts at Sixth Street and 34th Street are also open. People using those facilities are urged to observe social distancing. Meanwhile, non-essential retail stores and amusement centers remain closed by executive order of Gov. Phil Murphy. “Curbside” pickup for retail stores will be permitted starting May 18. “Ocean City will continue to work with the governor’s office on plans to safely remove restrictions, reopen the city and get people back to work,” Bergen said. “The municipality has the authority to open the beaches and Boardwalk, and medical professionals have advised that outdoor spaces are relatively safe – provided that people can avoid dense crowds.”