Toms River Police Announce Shelter Cove Fireworks Plans

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River police announced procedures for Saturday's Fourth of July fireworks display at Shelter Cove Park, and also reminded residents that shooting off aerial fireworks at home is illegal and dangerous.

The fireworks display at Shelter Cove is sponsored by lifelong Toms River resident Jesse Sipe and his company, Sipe Adjustment Group. It is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. and the fireworks will be launched from the beach at the cove.

Toms River police said the beach and the bathrooms at Shelter Cove will close at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and the parking lot closest to the beach will be emptied.

For boaters, a safety zone will be designated in the water and will be patrolled by police and fire personnel.

For those coming to view the fireworks by land, the far lot of Shelter Cove will fill very quickly and once full, attendees will be turned away as there is no parking on the grass.

Police and Sipe Adjustment Group are recommending that people watch from alternate locations. Among the suggestions:

• Silver Bay waterfront in Toms River
• Chadwick Beach
• Lavallette, Ortley Beach & Seaside Heights bay fronts
• Ocean Beach 1, 2, & 3
• Normandy Beach

"We are encouraging residents to preplan alternative locations to view the display as it will be widely visible from many locations around town and on the island," police said.

Sipe said they have been scouting other locations but so far the bay beaches on the barrier island appear to be the best option for watching the fireworks.

"Unfortunately, after doing some research, it appears Skyview and the Indian Hill property will not provide much of a vantage point," he said, referring to two options the group had suggested previously. "We are suggesting the numerous bay beaches on the barrier island as a great alternative to Shelter Cove."

Choreographed music for the display can be heard via 95.9 WRAT Radio.

Police also urged residents to take care of those for whom the sound of fireworks exploding is stressful, including autistic and special needs children and adults, combat veterans with PTSD, and pets.

"If you live in the immediate neighborhood please take necessary precautions during the display to ensure everyone has a peaceful evening," police said.

For those celebrating the Fourth at home, Toms River police and the township's Office of Emergency Management are urging people to stick to low-key non-explosive fireworks.

Non-explosive, non-aerial fireworks, such as handheld and ground-based sparklers and novelty items such as poppers and snappers are legal.

"All other types of fireworks, including firecrackers, aerials, sky rockets/bottle rockets, single-tube device with report, reloadable shell device/Roman candles, are still illegal to sell, use or possess in the State of New Jersey," police said.

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Note: This article has been updated with additional information provided by Jesse Sipe of Sipe Adjustment Group.

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