Promotional poster for 2018 documentary "MOANANUIAKEA"
(has nothing to do with Belmar or Atlantic Ocean but simply
stunningly beautiful)
I was supposed to have spent a portion of my Saturday morning rumbling, bumbling, and stumbling all over the streets of Spring Lake, New Jersey, as a participant in the 2020 Spring Lake 5. Alas, poor Yorick, it was not to be. F U very much, COVID-19. Although considering the rain, "F U very much" might be a tad strong.
A tip of the cap to Belmar Borough Administrator Edward Kirschenbaum, Mayor Mark Walsifer, Council President Thomas Brennan, and Council Members James McCracken, Thomas Carvelli, and Patricia Wann. It is an inarguable point that COVID-19 or not, as Memorial Day Weekend announced summer's unofficial start, Belmar's boardwalk and beaches shall teem with people. Knowing that waving their arms and telling people not to come would be fruitless, and possibly spell the end for many of the town's small business owners, they took the time to work out a plan, which plan they hope shall enable those of us who enjoy Belmar's beaches to do so safely.
Kudos to Mr. Kirschenbaum for saying what, in my experience, public officials are far too reluctant to say, which is that while the governing body believes they have come up with a good, solid plan, the truth of the matter is that, until they see it in action, they cannot know whether they have. "There's no playbook on this", said Mr. Kirschenbaum. Truer words may have never been spoken.
- The beach will be divided into four zones in order to manage capacity — while maintaining social distancing — and be able to shift beachgoers, if needed, to less-crowded areas.
- Social distancing will not be required for family groups, household members and couples.
- In addition to the main ticket area at Taylor Pavilion, where seasonal and daily badges will be sold, booths for daily badge sales will be situated along the boardwalk with two additional ones situated at Silver Lake — all staffed by one borough employee at each location.
- There will be no water fountains along the beachfront, but showers are now motion controlled.
- Restrooms will be open and cleaned on a regular basis.
- The playgrounds will remain closed.
- There will be no volleyball or other sports activities permitted on the beaches, including all forms of ball or Frisbee throwing.
- Lifeguards will be properly equipped following United States Lifesaving Association guidelines, particularly with the use a bag-valve-mask if resuscitation is required.
- Face coverings will be required in the restrooms and strongly encouraged when it is difficult to maintain a six-foot distance from others.
- Business owners along Ocean Avenue will be required to post an employee outside their establishments to ensure proper social distancing is maintained.
- A volunteer “Friendship Force” will be assisting to ensure visitors are social distancing properly.
- Failure to comply with social distancing guidelines will result in removal from the beach.
- Beachgoers are being strongly encouraged to visit the borough’s website or social media — on its Facebook page or on Twitter — to get real-time updates. In addition, Monmouth County will be offering a full rundown of updates at areas beaches on its website.
We shall find out - beginning this weekend perhaps - how well the plan works. I am confident that a group of people who took the time to formulate something that appears to be very well-thought out will, should the need arise, take the time to modify it or to adjust it.
Those of us enjoying Belmar's sun and sand must do our part too. It is not incumbent solely on the governing body to put it into action. It is incumbent on all of us too. Want some useful advice? Not from me, I did say "useful" did I not? Here are some tips for being safe while on the sand, from a real-life medical professional.
Personal responsibility is the responsibility of every person. So, get into the canoe and grab a paddle.
-AK
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