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Belmar leaders urge caution after a drowning and recommend extended patrols and red flags
Summary
Council and staff discussed recent drownings and rescues, announced stepped‑up patrols and lifeguard coverage, and said the governor's office advised red‑flagging beaches through Friday; the meeting also included heated public comment that was curtailed by the chair.
Belmar Borough Council members and public‑safety officials discussed recent rescues and a recent drowning and urged residents to avoid entering the ocean except where lifeguards are on duty, saying the borough will increase mobile patrols and assess lifeguard coverage.
Council members described coordinated reviews between police, lifeguards and other beach staff and said they have already added personnel and mobile patrols on beach vehicles to keep greater visibility later into evenings. The mayor reported a call from the governor's office urging municipalities to consider red‑flagging beaches through Friday in anticipation of a hurricane‑driven swell that could keep dangerous surf conditions in place.
"We get everybody together and assess the year and come up with suggestions'," a public‑safety representative said, summarizing recent operational adjustments including later staffing and mobile patrols. Council members emphasized education as a complement to enforcement; members noted local enforcement options are limited and that changing statewide rules for e‑bikes and certain vehicle classifications lies with the state.
At the start of the public‑comment period a speaker, Tom Bilberger, urged placing a question about Pride Month and flag displays on the ballot and then made extensive remarks that council members curtailed. The mayor and chair interrupted the speaker to enforce the time limit; the council then moved to the next commenters.
Multiple council members publicly thanked lifeguards, water rescue crews, police, EMS and resident bystanders who assisted during recent incidents. The mayor and others asked residents to heed red‑flag warnings and to avoid visiting the beach during times without lifeguard coverage; staff said notices would go out and that the borough would reassess conditions daily through the storm period.
The council also discussed the limits of enforcement for after‑hours swimming and the difficulty of covering every beach; members said the most effective near‑term steps are public education, targeted patrols and ensuring lifeguard shifts are scheduled to meet peak risk periods.
The council moved from the public‑safety discussion to other agenda items after public comment closed.
