Residents call for boardwalk safety steps; police pledge extra officers for July 4 weekend

Several speakers urged the Atlantic City Council on June 18 to take steps to improve safety on beaches and the boardwalk, including public‑education signage for safer umbrella anchors and changes to bicycle enforcement and boardwalk traffic management.

Edward Quigley, who said he was injured by a wind‑blown beach umbrella and later worked on national standards, urged the city to post educational signs at beach access points and on lifeguard stands. "The standard was published in April of '24, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission picked it up," Quigley said, describing tests that show how much resistance an anchor needs to hold an umbrella in gusts. "My ask is that the city consider putting these signs at the access points to the beaches, possibly on the back of, lifeguard stands as well." Quigley said he will provide 12-by-18 aluminum signs through a donor.

Valerie Theo, a resident, criticized Atlantic City Police Department enforcement of boardwalk bike rules, saying officers have dramatically increased patrols and citation activity and urging the city to paint directional lanes, add a central "wheels only" lane and use ambassadors to manage congested crossings. "There is no reason to blindly kick off safe riding bicyclists," she said, adding that current enforcement is hurting tourism and residents' quality of life.

A resident who asked about Caspian Avenue’s July 4 crowds said last year’s holiday included significant disorder, including reports of rock‑throwing and a reported BB gun. "I would assume if there's a strong police presence in the beginning, that and they're there through at least the early evening time frame, that that really may keep things, quiet," said Steve Lascarides.

Police Chief Sarcos responded during public comment that the department will staff extra officers over the July 4 weekend and will monitor Caspian Avenue and other busy locations. "For the July weekend, we all have extra officers working that weekend. It is one of the busiest weekends that we have of the year, so we will surely be keeping a check on Caspian Avenue as well as the other areas of the city that will be bustling for the fourth of July weekend," Chief Sarcos said.

What it means: The council did not adopt an ordinance or formal directive during the meeting in response to the public comments, but the police chief’s commitment to extra staffing constitutes an operational pledge. The administration and council members acknowledged the concerns and said they would look into signage, boardwalk lane markings and enforcement approaches.

Next steps: Staff and the police department were asked to follow up; Quigley left contact information and offered donated signage. Council members requested the administration provide follow‑up on enforcement plans and any proposed physical changes to the boardwalk before final decisions are made.