SEASIDE HEIGHTS — This Jersey Shore town made some changes to the rules of its beach and boardwalk during Wednesday night's borough council meeting.

The beach in Seaside Heights will have more lifeguard coverage, until 9 p.m. on weekend nights during the summer season that starts with Memorial Day weekend, but will be completely closed off to the public during off-hours, except to fisherman. Beach tags will be required during the open hours.

The new ordinance also prohibits certain types of tents and umbrellas on the beach, bans smoking and vaping, and feeding seagulls, dogs, cats, and foxes. It also bans the use of cooking material and tables on the beach, except for pre-approved special events.

According to a post on the borough website, the changes were made in response to complaints from "guests" using the beach and boardwalk in the Ocean County shore town.

"We’re moving forward with a family image, and this was called for by you, the people of Seaside Heights. We’re getting that feeling back and it’s such a positive," Mayor Anthony Vaz said at Wednesday’s council meeting, according to the Shorebeat news site.

Among the changes adopted at the meeting, which will be amended at the next council meeting on May 3 based on comments from Wednesday night's meeting:

  • Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes are banned from designated areas.
  • Umbrellas larger than 10 feet by 10 feet are restricted, and that will be amended to 12 feet by 12 feet at the May 3 meeting. Baby tents no larger than 36 inches by 36 inches will be permitted.
  • Tents cannot be connected, must be 15 feet apart, and must be secured.
  • Tables, serving trays, warming trays, pots, pans, and devices used for the storage or preparation of food may not be brought onto the beach unless approved for a special event.
  • Coolers, barrels, and tubs larger than 24 inches in length, with a capacity of 36 quarts, may not be brought onto the beach.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

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