Jersey Shore Town May Start Charging At Free Beaches

There was at least one spot along the Jersey Shore where you could enjoy the beach without having to pick your pocket for cash. After June 7, that may no longer be the case.

Deal officials want to charge admission on a five-block stretch toward the south end of the town, and they're planning to vote on the plan at the commission's June 7 public hearing.

The ordinance calls for beach fees at Monmouth Terrace that will be the same as the borough’s Conover Pavilion: $8 for a daily pass on weekdays, $10 for a daily pass on weekends and $150 for a season pass, according to the Surfrider Foundation.

Hours for Monmouth Terrace beach would be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beach fees and lifeguards will be in effect from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

If this ordinance is passed, surfing and fishing won’t be allowed during swimming hours at the municipal beach within the “swimming zones” during the summer, but will still be allowed at all unguarded beaches in Deal as before, according to the organization. Unrestricted surfing and fishing will remain the same north of Marine, and on other beaches like Deal Esplanade, Darlington, Roseld, Philips and Roosevelt.

The Surfrider Foundation said the decision was a "victory" for public access because Deal beaches have not really been open to the public, and beach fees were a way to get there.

"However, we understand that some may be frustrated with the addition of swimming beaches in Deal and beach fees," according to the foundation. "Losing the ability to surf the swimming zones is a bummer."

"If we did not fight those fights, then only residents would be allowed to park on those streets, and there would be nothing stopping them from charging for beach fees and creating a completely private beach. Their current proposal legally grants access to more people than before while maintaining free parking."

Photo: Surfrider Foundation