Surfing Waves

A beach tag is an admission pass that must be purchased to access a beach. It is commonly associated with the New Jersey Shore. The system restricts summer beach access to residents and paying visitors. Visitors and residents in communities with the beach tag system typically pay a fee for a daily, weekly or seasonal pass. Staff patrol the beach looking for people who are not displaying their tag, and visitors without one are asked to purchase a tag or leave. Beaches with a beach-tag program use the proceeds to offset the maintenance and staffing costs associated with running a beach, such as funding lifeguards, restrooms, and trash removal.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach_tag

Do you think this is an unfair tax or a good idea to control crowding during the summer?

I've been to a beach like that in Jersey Shores. Their beach is pretty and more family oriented. It is clean and nicely regulated. Did I pay $8 to get in the water? No. I just walk the boardwalk.

I think if there are close by alternative and comparable options, then sure - if you think paying $x for a bit more cleanliness or whatever. But if this is the only beach around, it can create issues for people without much money. There are places in Europe where you pay for access to some beaches and they are more like a resort than a beach (attendants, chairs, people might bring you drinks)

BoMan,
kinda like this: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=36831

I hate nearly all taxes and nearly anything that interferes with my entrance into nature. This kind of thing did not exist in the State of New Jersey in my early youth and later as a young adult living in a beach town. Thank goodness. But, you know what? New Jersey is gross. Is the ocean still contaminated with chemicals like it was in the late 1970's? It's crowded and the majority of the population is rude. Some readers may take offense, but these opinions are based on personal experience with extensive travel throughout the state coupled with some residency.

Would I pay to go to the beach in NJ? No. Heck, I won't even go to NJ now that most everyone I care for with NJ roots have either passed away or left that rat hole.

BaNZ wrote:I've been to a beach like that in Jersey Shores. Their beach is pretty and more family oriented. It is clean and nicely regulated. Did I pay $8 to get in the water? No. I just walk the boardwalk.

The tag system or the one Billie describes is hard to enforce. A few lifeguards or private security are hard pressed to check hundreds of people enjoying a weekend day at the beach and getting folks to leave is a public relations nightmare. One of my local spots is the privately owned Dillion Beach where they charge $10/car and allow walk-ons in for free.

I also hate "pay to play" but one upside is the weekend lineups are not crowded.

Yea, Dillon beach! That's where ai learned to surf! Loved that.cold, clean ocean water! Don't remember a parking fee back then. But, my big black lab enjoyed this beach, too. And, there is a massive clam in that area that is delicious.

Hopefully, I can return to this beach to surf with BoMan.