NJ Beaches Will Reopen, But PA Governor Won't Be There

HARRISBURG, PA — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced this week that the state's beaches and boardwalks can reopen with specific safety guidelines. Murphy said the beaches will be open Memorial Day weekend "in a way that's consistent with protecting the public health of every beachgoer."

But one person who won't be going is Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf.

Wolf was asked about his reaction to the beaches opening during a news conference Friday.

"I'm certainly not going to the beach," Wolf said. "You go anywhere where you're going to be in close contact with other people, for whatever reason, you're taking your life into your own hands. You're jeopardizing your neighbor, you're jeopardizing yourself, maybe your family. I think you ought to be concerned about that. So personally, I'm not going to the beach."

Following Murphy's announcement on Thursday, at least three Jersey Shore towns announced increased access to their beaches this week and next:

• Point Pleasant Beach To Begin Reopening Beaches On Friday
• Ocean City To Allow More Beach Activities Saturday
• Seaside Heights Unveils Plan For Boardwalk, Beaches, Rentals

Here are the rules and guidelines that he issued for any beach, including rivers, lakes and the ocean, which say the state will:

• Not require face masks, but they are recommended.
• Extend social distancing to the beaches, ensuring that people stay six feet apart except for family groups, household members, caretakers or couples.
• Establish capacity limitations, but local leaders can determine the method that would be best for their communities. That method could include limiting available beach tags or utilize a spatial analysis map.
• Allow anyone on the beach, and not restrict it to just local residents.
• Implement proper and regular sanitation rules.
• Prohibit contact sports and organized events.
• Prohibit beach summer camps and fireworks, festivals and concerts.
• Open shower pavilions, changing areas and restrooms. Restrooms at parks can also reopen.
• Close rides, arcades and playground.
• Allow boardwalk restaurants to open for take out and delivery only.
• Close visitor centers.

It's not clear how these rules and guidelines will be enforced or honored, but Cape May County Freeholder Leonard Desiderio said his county plans to have "goodwill ambassadors" on the beaches who will work to make sure people are cooperating.

RELATED: 6 Ways To Stay Safe At The Beach During The Pandemic