Rules

Belmar is one of New Jersey’s most popular summer destinations for families, and our Beach staff works hard to make sure that all who visit want to come back again and again. The Borough Council has adopted a series of rules over the years designed to help keep our beaches safe and enjoyable for all. Please take a moment to review our Beach & Boardwalk Rules and Regulations to make sure your experience is a safe and enjoyable one.

1. Smoking is Prohibited on the entire Beach and Boardwalk
   “Smoking”means the burning of, inhaling and exhaling the smoke from, or the possession of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, vaporizer, or any other matter or substance which contains tobacco, cannabis, or any other matter that can be smoked, or the inhaling or exhaling of smoke or vapor from an electronic smoking device. The penalty for violation of this section shall not exceed $200.00. Disposing of a cigarette butt on the beach, dune, boardwalk or street constitutes littering, and is subject to a separate fine of $100 and two days of community service.
2. Open flames, firepits, cooking, and or barbecuing
   Open flames, firepits, cooking, and or barbecuing are not allowed on the beachfront at any time.
3. No Admission to Beach Without a Beach Fee
   Beach badges are required on the beach 7 days a week begining Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Violators will be issued a summons and escorted from the beach and may not return until they have obtained a badge. Anyone who is caught walking on a dune will be subject to an additional fine of not less than $500.
4. No Littering
   Littering is strictly prohibited on the beach and boardwalk. Please be considerate of the environment and your fellow beachgoers, and dispose of your trash in a trash can. Anyone who leaves trash behind when they leave the beach will be subject to a fine for litter, which start at $100. Additional penalties include two days of community service.
5. No Alcohol or Glass Containers Allowed on Beach or Boardwalk
   The possession of alcohol and glass containers is strictly prohibited on Belmar’s beach and boardwalk. Beach staff may ask beachgoers to open their coolers and knapsacks so that they can be visually examined for these items.
6. Pets
   Licensed dogs are permitted on the beach with a leash, while under the control of their owners, from October 1 through April 30th, but not at any other time. Animals are not permitted on Belmar’s boardwalk at any time (except that dogs may cross the boardwalk to get access to the beach from October 1 and April 30th). Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets at all times.
7. Bicycles, Skateboards and Rollerblades
   Between May 1 and September 30, bicycles are permitted on the boardwalk only between 6AM and 9AM. Bicycles are permitted on the boardwalk at any time between October 1 and April 30. Rollerblades and Skateboards are not permitted on the boardwalk at any time of the year. Bicycles may be locked only to a bicycle rack, and not to any light fixture, railing or other part of the boardwalk. Bicycles, strollers and baby carriages may be placed within 15 feet of any beach entrance gate.
8. Ball-playing, Frisbees Prohibited on Beach except in designated areas
   Ball-playing and Frisbees are prohibited on the beach and near the water. The Council has designated areas near the boardwalk on certain wider beaches for use for volleyball and other games. If in doubt, ask a gate attendant.
9. Loud Music or Noise Prohibited
   If you want to listen to music on the beach, use headphones.
10. Tents: Borough Ordinance 18-2.7(c) - No tents, camping tents or canopies are permitted on the beachfront from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend to midnight on the Monday of Labor Day, except in conjunction with an authorized beach party permit under Borough ordinance Subsection 18-2.7aa. The only permitted shade devices on the beachfront from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend to midnight on the Monday of Labor Day shall be:

    1. Umbrellas, round or square, with one central shaft/stanchion supporting the umbrella canopy in an upright or adjustable tilted position up to 90° and with a top no larger than six feet across when fully open, without flaps, on all sides; and
    2. Devices designed or used to shade infants, also known as baby tents, or sun shelters provided that said structures are not greater than three (3) feet high and four feet across, have see-through sides, and are open on one side.
    3. The Police Department is authorized and directed to remove any tent, shibumi, canopy, pop-up, umbrella, sun shelter, device, structure, or enclosure that is creating a hazard or unnecessary disturbance to others.

11. Vending or Distribution of Free Products or Samples Is Prohibited in Belmar.