Cabanas must now be placed at the back of the beach close to the dunes.
By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
On Ocean City’s beaches, cabanas are normally spread out across swaths of sand as sunbathers jockey for prime spots just steps from the water. But this summer, there are new rules limiting the location and size of cabanas as social distancing has become critical on the beaches during the coronavirus pandemic. The regulations lump cabanas, large tents and canopies into the same category. However, beach umbrellas and so called “baby pop-up tents” are not included. Cabanas, large tents and canopies are now banned from the beaches between First and 10th Streets. City spokesman Doug Bergen explained that they are prohibited there because those are some of the busiest and narrowest beaches in town. However, in June and July the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is scheduled to replenish storm-damaged beaches from Seaview Road to 13th Street with 1.45 million cubic yards of new sand. Meanwhile, on the beaches where cabanas, tents and canopies are still allowed, they must be placed at the back of the beach within 10 feet of the dunes. Also, they must be spaced at least 6 feet apart from each other. In addition, there are size limits to the cabanas. They can be no larger than 8 feet wide by 6 feet deep by 6 feet tall, according to the regulations. City Council approved a resolution formalizing the new cabana regulations on May 14, just as the beaches were opening back up for sunbathing after a nearly two-month shutdown caused by the pandemic. “The resolution for 2020 took into consideration the recommendation for social distancing, including limitation on size of groups and gatherings,” Bergen said. The city plans to post new signs to alert beachgoers of the new regulations, Bergen noted.
Andrea Bush, of Norristown, Pa., stands in front of her beach cabana while holding her 3-year-old son, Kaynen.
Some cabana users interviewed Saturday were surprised by the new regulations.
Andrea Bush, a visitor from Norristown, Pa., was sitting under the protection of a large cabana on the 11th Street beach. She was joined by her 3-year-old son, Kaynen.
“I’m a beach bum. It’s our first trip here. We’re glad to be here,” Bush said of her family, including her fiance and their children, ages 11 to 3.
Yet Bush was disappointed to hear of the cabana rules, particularly the size limits. Her cabana is considered too big under the new regulations.
“This is a 10-by-10-by-10. This is the standard size they sell in the store,” Bush said.
Just down the beach, Joseph McEneaney and his wife, Audrey, were tucked under their cabana for shelter from the sun.
“On a scale of 1 to 10, this is a 10. It gives us protection from skin cancer and the sun,” McEneaney said of the importance of his cabana.
McEneaney, who has a summer home in Ocean City, said he brings his cabana every time he goes to the beach. His cabana is taller than the 6 foot height limit set by the city.
“Six feet tall – I’ve never even heard of that for a cabana,” he said.
Noting that he wasn’t even aware of the cabana regulations, McEneaney believes the city should have made a greater effort to publicize the new rules before they took effect.
