Local Life

Pandemic Time Beaching it in the R-FH Area: Access & Rules

With showers washing out most hope for a good beach day on Saturday to kick off a less restricted pandemic time Memorial Day weekend in the Rumson-Fair Haven area, beaches in Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach and on Sandy Hook are open and poised for a sunny Sunday and Monday — with COVID-19 caution.

And barbecues and other outdoor activities are on New Jerseyans’ plates. as well. NJ Gov. Phil Murphy has also called for a cautious easing of outdoor gathering restrictions.

The governor, in his daily COVID-19 update on Friday, said that people can have those unofficial start-of-summer backyard barbecues and partake in activities such as fishing and camping outdoor activities, such as those traditional barbecues. Campgrounds are open and people can recreate by fishing on charter boats now.

Where people do gather for barbecues, the governor said that they may now gather in groups of up to 25 rather than 10 if outside. When inside, he asked that people keep their gatherings to 10. Caution, he added, is paramount, reiterating that using masks is the most prudent move in tandem with maintaining distancing.

In Sea Bright …

Some private beach clubs are open, with their own individual restrictions announced to each club’s membership.

The iconic Donovan’s Reef is open, offering seasonal-beach-badge-only admission with a snack bar and two bars open outdoors. No live entertainment until further notice.

The Sea Bright Public Beach is open to those with seasonal badges as well, though the number sold was limited. Reduced capacity parking is also available and can be purchased via Pay2Park app. And restrooms are open, limiting use to three people at a time.

Sandy Hook …

All beaches on the Hook have been open for sunbathing and other passive recreation with parking availability reduced by half capacity. No barbecuing is permitted. While other campgrounds were permitted to open, Camp Gateway on the Hook will be closed until June 30. Park officials released the following statement:

“As a public health precaution, Camp Gateway is temporarily closed through June 30, 2020, for the safety of staff and visitors. No new reservations will be accepted until further notice. Local managers are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following all CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions. Please continue to monitor this page for status updates.”

Monmouth Beach …

Purchase of daily beach badges is available via the app Viply. Those purchasing a badge will be notified the day before the intended purchase if badges have been sold out. Daily beach badges must be purchased through mobile app Viply. The app will notify users if daily passes have sold out for the day before your purchase.

The message: Stay cautious. Get out. Have fun. Get sun. Recreate. Stay safe.

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