Lifeguard Hours Extended at Brick Beaches; Parking Policy Tweaked
'Tragedies' spurred township to act, Mayor says
Lifeguards will now be on duty until 6 p.m. at the township's ocean beaches.
A recent spate of drownings in Seaside Park and Asbury Park prompted township officials to rework lifeguard schedules to allow beaches to be guarded for more than an hour extra for the remainder of the season, Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis said.
"The early summer at the Jersey Shore has been deadly," the mayor said. Brick lifeguards have already had a number of saves this season, he added.
Previously, lifeguards were posted on duty until 4:45 p.m. daily during the summer, according to Business Administrator Scott Pezarras.
By splitting the lifeguards into two shifts, the extra hour and 15 minutes of coverage could be achieved without increasing the beach budget, said Acropolis.
Acropolis said township officials consulted with Lifeguard Capt. Donovan Brown, who said between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., there is still a large amount of people on the beach. They begin to leave between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., however.
"It's an opportunity for us, with a little smarter working of the scheduling of our lifeguards, to be able to get increased coverage until 6 o'clock," said Acropolis.
Parking Regulations Changed
The parking policy at ocean beaches has also changed, allowing season parking pass holders to park in the municipal lots until 11 p.m.
Previously, season parking pass holders were allowed to park between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., then hourly rates would kick in.
But Council President John Ducey said some residents complained that they prefer to go to the beach after sunset, or stay to view fireworks displays in neighboring towns after dark. One resident came to a meeting in June and said he can only go to the beach after sunset due to a skin condition. Still other residents said they enjoy fishing after dark.
The 11 p.m. parking time allowance represents a compromise, said Ducey.
"This way, the fireworks are over, but you're still avoiding the other situation," he said.
The change back to hourly rates after a certain hour was put in place because some residents began permanently parking overnight in the lots, reducing the number of spaces available to beachgoers.
Trish
6:39 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Thank you Mayor Acropolis!
dcnj
6:14 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
I agree...thank you.
C
10:39 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
You're still not getting reelected!
knarfie
8:22 am on Wednesday, July 4, 2012
What a guy. This makes up for all the self serving stuff for family and cronies through the years.
Comfortably Numb
8:24 am on Wednesday, July 4, 2012
What about the people that fish early in the morning? Like 3-8am?
JD
8:40 am on Wednesday, July 4, 2012
He needs to raise the rates for the season parking pass!!
It's only $30 for resident and $40 for non-resident for season pass!!!! or $1/hr which is ok!
Double it!!! at least... or just go with meters at $1/hr for 24/7!!!
It costs $15 for meters for the day at PPB.
while your add it... raise the beach passes and daily rates!!! It is not breakeven... the beach maintanance costs, lifegards, etc far exceed revenue when "ALL" costs are included... not Pezarras math.
Don Smith
10:45 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2012
So let me see if I get this right. The people who live on the mainland come to the beach can park in my local parks for a minor charge worked into their beach pass. All parks in the mainland you can park for free all day long. A a resident in the beach area I have to pay a premium to park in the park even though I pay property taxes just like the main land guy. Now I see where the beach people really get the double whammy..........
Thank you Mayor and Council......
Don
Don Smith
10:48 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2012
How about a $1 charge to park in all public land including city hall. If not charged the fee the equivelent should be grossed onto the W2 earnings at year end. $2000 taxable income for the work year.
giveusabreak
8:16 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
I understand it cost $$ to have lifeguards & upkeep of the beach, however The cleanest beaches Ive ever seen where Free beaches in other states. I LOVE NJ & Iam 100% A JERSEYGIRL, but not really sure why people who live in the town that are already paying taxes should have to on top pay for using a beach that nature/God given gift, I Dought it was made for a money maker ( BTW does the mayor & those in office making 165,000 + have to pay for badge & their familes??) Personally I have lived in Brick for 14 yrs & can count on one hand how many times I went to Brick beaches... I'll Drive out of my way & go to Belmar, Much nicer, & not FORCED to pay for parking on top of buying a badge.
granny8
8:54 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
Do the shuttle buses still run up & down Drum point & mantoloking to Brick beaches usally saw teenages waiting for the buses in the AM then would shuttle them back in the afternoon? Grandkids are coming soon & would be very helpful if they are still running them to the beach.... Does anyone know??
Reality
9:34 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
I believe the buses are still running, but I would call the recreation department - 732- 262-1073. For some reason, they only have last year's (2010-2011) Rec Brochure on the Township website so I would call to verify. But then again, that entire website is rather antiquated and not at all user-friendly.
Reality
9:39 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
Oops, the latest brochure is actually on the main page. (I had looked under Rec Department where only last year's is posted.) Yes, they are still running the buses - the routes are listed.
Vinny Varvaro
3:19 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
Great idea, where did I hear that one before? http://tomsriver.patch.com/blog_posts/new-jersey-beaches-need-extended-lifeguard-hours