By MADDY VITALE
Beachgoers, get ready to roll out the towels, dig beach chairs into the sand and grab a good book, because on Saturday the sands will be calling you.
With the prolonged closure of Sea Isle City’s beaches and Promenade amid the COVID-19 pandemic, barriers and signs detailing the closures replaced open access to the gems of the barrier island. Like other shore towns in the area, Sea Isle's beaches opened last week, but only for exercise and recreational activities.
But this weekend will provide a glimpse at a typical day lounging on the beaches at the shore -- although the start to summer looks different with people wearing face masks and social distancing is the norm.
Mayor Leonard Desiderio detailed in a statement Wednesday night that beachgoers will now be permitted regular access. They may sit in beach chairs and sunbathe beginning this Saturday.
“We are close to Memorial Day weekend and that is when we experience traditionally one of the greatest surges of people,” Sea Isle Public Information Officer Katherine Custer pointed out. “We expect there to be a large number of people on the beach.”
However, after a prolonged closure of the beaches and Promenade to further social distancing to lessen the spread of the coronavirus, opening the beach access is wonderful, as long as people abide by the rules, noted Custer.
“We expect everyone to follow social distancing,” she added.
That may not be difficult considering all of the beaches in Sea Isle. Officials noted that the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol does not go on duty this year until Saturday, May 23.
There are 4.5 miles of beachfront from First Street to 94th Street.
“There are 94 beaches of sand and we are hoping people will spread out and keep apart from others. If they do so, they will allow us to keep the beaches open.”
In his message Wednesday, the mayor was clear about the importance of following all of the rules.
Tina Belbin, left, and Nicole Scirrotto park their beach chairs next to the water in 2019
"Beachgoers are expected to follow social distancing guidelines – staying 6 feet apart as much as possible,” he said in his address. “It’s critically important that everyone respects these guidelines so that all can enjoy Sea Isle’s greatest natural asset.”
Shortly after Corson’s Inlet State Park in Ocean City reopened two weeks ago, people descended on the park, sat on the beach, did some fishing and participated in water sports.
But it was shut down by the end of the day because, in part, of the large crowds.
The Cape May County Health Department, along with the Board of Chosen Freeholders, created a plan to quell some of the difficulties and confusion about social distancing.
On Tuesday, May 19, county ambassadors, who are mostly volunteers from the medical and teaching professions, will walk up and down the Sea Isle Promenade and answer any questions people may have about social distancing and how to properly wear masks.
It will be one of many stops at the busy Cape May County shore communities to answer questions people may have about COVID-19, social distancing, how to properly put on a mask and other issues.
On Monday, May 18, the ambassadors will be on the Ocean City Boardwalk.
Custer noted that she is pleased things are starting to open up, but reiterated that it must be done safely and slowly.
“It will be good physically and emotionally for people to be able to go to the beaches and Promenade,” she said.
For additional information about Sea Isle City’s beaches and other updates, go to www.seaislecitynj.us
