Video Shows Long Lines At Belmar Beach, Sparking Concern

BELMAR – The people came back in droves, and many appeared to be social distancing. But the long lines of people waiting to purchase badges in Belmar still sparked some concern this weekend.

Belmar's seasonal beach badges went on sale at Taylor Pavilion on Saturday, and the Belmar Social Distancing Task Force and Belmar Police Department was working and surveying the beach, boardwalk and the beach badge sales for social distancing and coronavirus guidelines.

Aerial pictures from Belmar’s Drone, Air-87 on Saturday showed many people adhering to social distancing guidelines on the beach and boardwalk.

"Belmar thanks everyone for their cooperation in these challenging times as we prepare to open for Memorial Day weekend," the town said.

Gov. Phil Murphy said during his Monday press conference that the angle of the camera could be deceiving, but he said the drone shot indicated that most people were being "compliant."

Murphy did say he would like to see more people wearing masks, even though they're not required.

But the scene also drew the attention of people on social media who were upset that many people stood in clusters and didn't wear masks.

Videos also showed the scene:

Belmar Mayor Mark Walsifer told NJ Advance Media that adjustments needed to be made in anticipation of Memorial Day weekend, noting that many people went to the boardwalk to buy badges since the town hall is closed.

“It just opened the floodgates for everyone to come down and buy seasonal beach badges,” Walsifer told NJ Advance Media. “It’s not that we’re selling more than last year. It just happened all at one time.”