Belmar Developing Plan For Opening Beach On Memorial Day Weekend

BELMAR – Belmar says it's working with neighboring towns to develop a plan to open its beaches on Memorial Day weekend.

Belmar Administrator Ed Kirschenbaum said "it's an impossibility to stop people" from going to the beaches, so his town is going to work to make sure the areas is managed as safely as possible.

He also told Patch that the situation will be monitored "minute-by-minute" and, in particular, "there will be no hand-to-hand contact" between employees and patrons.

Kirschenbaum outlined to Patch some of the specifics of the plan being drawn up:

• Badge sales have been announced, and lifeguards will be on duty by Memorial Day Weekend (see information below).
• Public restrooms will be open and masks will be required in restrooms.
• Masks will not be required on the beach, possibly except for staff and our employees.
• The town plans to keep employees safe with face coverings, masks, gloves and hand sanitizer.
• A "Social Distance Task Force" will monitor the beach and ensure that people are six feet apart.

The plan comes as Gov. Phil Murphy suggested that New Jersey will work to possibly have the beaches open as early as Memorial Day. Read more: Gov. Murphy Has New Insight Into How Jersey Shore Summer May Look