People hitting the sand along the Jersey Shore this Memorial Day weekend will have to deal with new rules restricting the use of structures like tents and beach canopies.
Officials say they are looking to increase safety by improving lifeguards' view of the sand and water, making it easier for lifeguards and paramedics to maneuver through the sand in case there is an emergency.
According to NJ.com, more than a dozen coastal municipalities, including popular spots like Asbury Park and Sandy Hook, have some type of restriction. Asbury Park only allows baby tents and umbrellas no larger than 6 feet wide, while umbrellas smaller than 8 feet are only allowed in Sandy Hook, NJ.com reports.
Elsewhere, North Wildwood and Brick Township have banned tents, canopies, cabanas and other similar structures on the beach in areas with lifeguards. Standard single pole umbrellas are still permitted.
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Beachgoers enjoy the weather at Island Beach State Park in Berkeley Township, New Jersey, on July 27, 2020. (Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello says the city's beaches lack available spaces.
“We're really trying to make as much beach as possible available to as many people as possible,” Rosenello told NBC New York. On some North Wildwood beaches, seating is at a premium during high tide, the outlet reports.
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More than a dozen coastal municipalities on the Jersey Shore have new rules restricting the use of structures like tents and beach canopies ahead of Memorial Day weekend. (Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
One of the reasons for the lack of space on Jersey Shore beaches is severe erosion, and officials plan to carry out beach replenishment projects to combat the elements.
North Wildwood Beach Patrol Chief Bill Ciavarelli noted the safety benefits of the new rules.
“Our biggest concern is any type of emergency (or) medical emergency… Somehow we have to get through this crowd with very little beach to get to the people,” Ciavarelli told NBC New York.
“We're not trying to ruin anyone's fun at all. We're just trying to give everyone a chance to enjoy it.”
At Island Beach State Park, which contains 10 miles of sandy beach and rolling sand dunes, visitors will likely only use umbrellas in swimming areas during Memorial weekend, an official told NJ.com.
Tents and canopies will continue to be permitted outside swimming areas where cars are allowed on the beach. Ocean City will only allow tents and canopies smaller than 10 feet by 10 feet.
Officials told NBC that when lightning is in the area, the structures make it difficult for park staff to quickly remove people from the beaches.
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People spend time on the beach during Memorial Day weekend on May 28, 2023 in Wildwood, New Jersey. (Hannah Beier/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, there are no rules against tents or canopies in Atlantic City, NJ.com reports.
Americans planning to travel for Memorial Day weekend are also likely to encounter traffic jams and other delays, as the country is on the verge of setting a 20-year travel record, according to AAA.
The organization predicts that 43.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles between Thursday and Monday. U.S. airports are also expected to be almost as congested as highways, and the Transportation Security Administration says up to 3 million people could pass through airport checkpoints on Friday alone. However, as in previous years, most holiday travelers are expected to travel by car.
Fox News' Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.
