MARGATE The Board of Commissioners will consider a recommendation from members of the Margate Homeowners Association to require beach badges starting Memorial Day weekend.
The city currently provides lifeguards at select beaches on weekends early in the summer season but does not require beach badges until the third week in June.
Mayor Michael Becker brought up the issue at the board meeting Thursday, March 7, suggesting that requiring beach badges on Memorial Day weekend could eliminate some of the problems experienced when high school and college students flock to the beach for their end-of-school year celebration. Memorial Day weekend is May 25-27, with the holiday falling on Monday.
Thirteen young adults and juveniles were arrested Memorial Day weekend 2017 after two fights broke out in a crowd of about 300 people on the Decatur Avenue beach near Lucy the Elephant. Six adults and seven juveniles visiting the shore were charged with disorderly conduct and simple assault, along with drug and underaged drinking offenses. Only three were from the South Jersey area. Police required backup from Longport and Ventnor police.
Last summer, the city offered additional activities for the younger children to keep them off the beach. Additional officers were stationed on the beach to prevent a repeat of the prior year melee.
Becker advised the commissioners that the issue would be discussed at the next commissioners meeting, 4 p.m. Thursday, March 21 at Historic City Hall, 1 S. Washington Ave. The public is invited to comment on the issue.
Beach badges are sold 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning April 1 at the Martin Bloom Community Pavilion at Huntington Avenue at the beach. Badges are also sold 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Municipal Building, 9001 Winchester Ave.
Pre-season rates (April-May) are $7 for adults and children over 12; $3.50 for senior citizens 65 and older through May 31. Starting June 1 all badges are $15.
