New Jersey beaches will be open for Memorial Day weekend, governor says

FOX 29's Chris O'Connell has the latest.

SEA ISLE CITY, N.J. - New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced Thursday that all New Jersey beaches and lakes will reopen next Friday, May 22nd. Boardwalks will also be allowed to reopen, but attractions like amusement parks and arcades will still be closed.

Officials are asking visitors to follow social distancing guidelines while enjoying the beach, such as maintaining six-feet apart from other people. Face masks are not mandated, but Murphy says masks are advised especially when social distancing is compromised.

Effective May 22, the following guidelines and restrictions will be enforced on all of the state's public and private beaches:

Limits on beach admission and capacity
Six feet demarcations in some areas
Ban on special events
Sanitation requirements
Playgrounds, rides, arcades, games, water fountains, picnic areas, and water play equipment remain closed.

NJ Governor Murphy announces shore towns will open May 22nd

NJ Governor Murphy announces NJ shore towns will open for business May 22nd during press conference Thursday.

Prior to Gov. Murphy's announcement, officials in Ocean City and Sea Isle City announced folks could enjoy a beach day in those towns, with some restrictions, as soon as this Saturday.

City officials say beachgoers will be allowed to enjoy normal beach activities like sunbathing and lounging beginning this Saturday.

Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio said on Tuesday that over 260 seasonal beach badges have already been sold. Desiderio believes that early sales reflect confidence from beachgoers for a somewhat normal summer.

Gatherings on the state's beaches, such as concerts and fireworks, will be prohibited, according to Murphy.

Beach access has varied from town to town over the last several weeks, as some have clashed with the state by opening parts of their beaches or have tried to restrict access to local residents only.

Weekend weather in Cape May County calls for highs in the 70s with sunshine. Memorial Day weekend, often seen as the unofficial start of summer, is just under two weeks away.

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