Brick to Consider New Park Rules, Allowing Lifeguards to Inspect Coolers on Beaches

Lifeguards could enforce a beach alcohol ban should a new ordinance be passed by the township council. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

An ordinance set to be introduced at Tuesday night’s meeting of the township council will tighten rules and policies at numerous township parks and beaches, including a provision to empower lifeguards to inspect coolers to see if they contain alcoholic beverages.

The new rules will be considered for the first time when the council will vote on whether to amend numerous ordinances at the meeting. All of the rules would be subject to a public hearing and second vote at a future meeting.

Many aspects of the revisions focus on alcohol, including allowing lifeguards to “inspect coolers and similar storage containers for prohibited alcoholic beverages.” The ordinance reiterates the township’s current ban on bringing and consuming alcohol at parks and beaches, and states that anyone who refuses such an inspection would not be allowed on the beach.

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The ordinance is also being revised to set specific swimming hours at the ocean beaches – 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends between Memorial Day and June 15, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily between June 16 and Labor Day. Beachgoers, while beaches are guarded, will be prohibited from swimming in areas not designated as such.

Another portion of the ordinance revision sets fees for renting space at township parks, with prices ranging from $50 to $3,000, depending on the location of the event, its size and whether or not the host is a township resident. Businesses would be barred from renting parks for “commercial events or purposes.” The proposal also sets parameters under which an entity renting space in a park must obtain a permit if a grill is to be used to cook food. Beer would be allowed at Windward Beach Park and Traders Cove Park if a permit is obtained.

Finally, the ordinance prohibits those who use township parks from building, or attempting to build, a fire.

The rules apply to Brick’s public beaches; privately-owned beaches maintain their own rules.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the township municipal complex.