Page 302 - OCE19

Area Beaches
BOARDWALK & BEACHES 5
Sun, sand, and surf entices the whole family!
Fenwick Island State
Park
302-227-2800
Quiet white sand beaches and natural shores make up this endearing island park. Open year-round
8 am to sunset. Park activities provide ample entertainment in swimming, kayaking, surfing, horseback riding, picnicking, and more. A bathhouse, refreshments, restrooms, and boat ramps are just some of the many available amenities. Mobi-Mat equipment, thirty-foot mats allowing those in wheelchairs to access the beach from the boardwalk, is available.
Beach Safety
Before entering the water, please read the following safety tips in accordance with safety instructions from the town of Ocean City and the Ocean City Beach Patrol. The beach stretches for ten-miles with lifeguards posted along the entire length. Lifeguards are on duty daily in the summer seven days a week between Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to Sunday of Sunfest weekend 10 am–5:30 pm. Never swim alone. “If in doubt, don’t go out”. Understand the following guidelines from the Ocean City Beach Patrol regarding riptides before entering the ocean: You may call the Beach Patrol Headquarters at 410-289-7556 for daily exact guard stand locations. The Ocean City Beach Patrol recommends that children be introduced to the lifeguard. Swim only when lifeguards are on duty.
For your safety always swim near a lifeguard and only go swimming when lifeguards are on duty. If you get caught in a rip current and get pulled away from shore, DO NOT attempt to swim directly against it to return
to the beach. Instead swim parallel or along the beach until you notice that the rip is dissipating and releasing its grip. Then you can swim back to shore.
Further riptide safety tips, along with the above instructions are as follows: If still unable to reach
the shore, draw attention to yourself by facing the shore, waving your arms, and yelling for help. If you see someone in trouble, seek help from a lifeguard. If unable to reach a lifeguard, have someone call 911. Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape. Remember that many drowning incidents occur while a person is trying to save someone else from a riptide.
Ocean City
800-OC-OCEAN
Ocean City has been growing since its founding in the 17th century. Beginning as a slow, sunny fishing village, it has turned into a exciting destination. A myriad of land and water adventures spread along the ten-miles of Atlantic Ocean beach coast. Water activities include swimming, surfing, kayaking, and canoeing. Visiting the beach is free of charge, open
6 am–10 pm. Ocean City Beach Patrol is on duty 10 am–5:30 pm during summer months. Sports are not allowed on the beach 9 am–5:30 pm. Please call for more information. Dry land attractions include dining, museum tours, and shopping. The boardwalk is home to many amusements and rides. Ocean City offers Free Family Fun nights during the summer months. One-block rotating designated “surfing only beaches” are available. Please visit the OCBP webpage and
click on the following link to download the surfing beach rotation schedule: https://oceancitymd.gov/ departments/emergency-services/beach-patrol/
Assateague
410-641-1441
Assateague is a 37-miles long barrier island managed in partnership by the National Park Service, Assateague State Park, and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. It has wonderful sandy beaches suitable for swimming, kayaking, etc. Park entrance fees are $20 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. The facilities are limited, but do include visitor centers and campsites. These wild, peaceful, windswept beaches are perfect for relaxing or exploring nature. (See more about Assateague Island on page 6.)
Fenwick Island State
Beach
302-539-3011
Fenwick Island State Beach is a relaxing coastal site for relishing the sun and fresh sea breath. Since the town’s founding in 1953, Fenwick Island has provided visitors many pleasant activities along the Atlantic Ocean beach shore including swimming, surfing, sailing, fishing, crabbing, clamming, windsurfing, and sunbathing.
The Fenwick Island Beach Patrol guards the public from 10 am–5 pm Memorial Day weekend to the first weekend in June and full time from June 10 to Labor Day weekend. Additional September weekend hours are determined per weather conditions and staffing.
A permit is required for parking on town streets and beach ends from May 15–September 15. Please call for all other rules and regulation information.
2019
BOARDWALK & BEACHES