Badge revenues lowest Since Sandy
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
Even in 2013, the first season after Sandy, we sold more total badges than we did at this point in 2018. In fact, the archives on the Borough website of the weekly beach reports go all the way back to 2009 and there was not a single year in there that we sold fewer badges than we have so far this year.
Now I consider this to be a good thing actually because the beaches are too crowded anyway but I do notice they no longer read the Beach reports at the Council meetings.
34 Comments
My family and I have been coming to Belmar for over 20 years. This year things were just not the same. I dont know if it is because of the veteran lifeguards not returning but the vibe on Belmar beach has changed and not for the better.
We noticed they moved the swimmers further over to the south because they do not have enough lifeguards.. forcing everyone to crowd into a smaller space if they want to swim. Not pleasant.
Can you imagine how much the NJ TRANSIT Ticket scheme cost you for the ZERO (0) return on their partnership? How much did BELMAR’s “Tourism” cost you in 2016, 2017 and 2018? Sad rip off, right. Patronage or what?
Weather has to be a consideration here. Probably the worst summer season weather-wise in a long time. Some days started out cloudy, then improved. The weather forecast would predict rain, then the sun would shine. Folks go by forecasts to plan their days. In addition, there were more cloudy and rainy days than usual. I’m a beach goer , and many days disappointed in the weather.
Still it’s the fewest number of badges in at least 10 years.
Hopefully this is a trend!
Why not check the revenues of other nearby beaches to see what those numbers are. If weather is a factor, then those results should be low also. If they’re not low, then there is an issue here in Belmar.
I would bet Asbury Parks numbers are through the roof.
Oh no!! How will Mike Campbell get his yearly $15,000.00 bonus???
Asbury Park has more to offer,please go there.
Free admission is not included in the counts. As a Veteran I get free admission. My immediate family is also admitted free.
Must have been terrible weather that brought hundreds of thousands of visitors to Belmar from 2013 though 2017 summers, bad Ocean, bad Ocean.
I’m sure all the free “Jersey City” day people aren’t counted either!
I’m sure the low number of lifeguards, as well as the weather, has a lot to do with it. We’ve always gone to Belmar beach, but because of the lifeguard situation, we decided to go to Asbury this summer.
#13. Campbell and Connolly also had the boro workers set up lounge chairs and umbrellas for the Jersey City day people. Free beach, free chairs, free umbrellas and free food. I live in Jackson, when is free Jackson day?
Free beach day coming up next week, right?
Check out the “Belmar Lifeguards” Facebook page. A post from around 10am today shows a stand down. I don’t know what time the actual picture was taken or at what beach, but it’s just poor optics, considering all that’s going on. I’m sure that’s one of the reasons for a drop in attendance. Stands going up late, coming down early, not going up at all. Along with the weather. Not to mention this summer’s reports of beach closings. Even though L Street was closed a few times, all people have to hear is “Belmar beach is closed” or “Fecal matter in the water at Belmar” and that’s enough to keep them away. There are other consequences to not fixing sewer pipes, just saying. I’m interested in seeing how other beaches fared.
Most towns here along this part of Jersey shore have less revenue than in prior years. What are the %”s down by town. Here’s a novel idea. Cash beginning of year compared to cash at end of year. That ‘s what my son said. He’s a butcher …
#13 And all those young people who claim to be 15 years old (without ID to prove it) so they do not have to pay.
I think everyone came to Belmar to see dirty Matt Doherty. Now that hes gone to AC they all must be going there.
That’s it, the Pie Eyed Piper of Belmar (Mcdirty for the unwashed) is leading all the beach goers to AC doing a Conga Line, one to three kick.
Perhaps not being fully staffed for lifeguards was a factor, but definitely the weather for sure played a huge part. Keep in mind that college kids who are lifeguards have gone back to school. A lot of days where the ocean had bad rip currents, yet no drownings this summer in Belmar. Maybe give the lifeguards some credit
Hey DillyDilly. Go get your own name. I’m the original Dilly Dilly.
We got lucky this year. Smaller crowds and flat water most of the year(saves were way down). Still waiting for Colleen’s 100 plus applications to show up.
#24. I totally agree. Connolly and her platoon of lifeguards was nothing more than a pile of BS.
Ms. Beachgoer..curious as to what you mean by vibe?
#24- You got lucky? I hope the fact their was no issues would be because the lifeguards are good.
Things just don’t seem to as friendly. I’ve spoken to the lifeguards on my beach and there seems to be a lot of dissension amongst the ranks. The locals feel it. The atmosphere has changed. Hence the vibe.
#27 most of the veteran lifeguards are good but with many of the stands unmanned, no waves, few rips, no major washouts we got lucky. If you don’t believe me go ask one of the lifeguards with years of experience .
#29 You are 100% correct. Were still waiting for the 125 guards that applied to show up, the airhorns for the Specials and policies and procedures that the Acting Chief of Police told us we so desperately needed.
calm water (with very few exceptions, and I mean FEW)has been the savior for a very young, and largely inexperienced crew. Very few vets remaining, and even with some promising younger guards, the low pay will drive them into other ventures (and you can’t blame them). This is far from being fixed. Again Belmar will have all of the off season to get a better wage scale in place (which some beaches have, but really plenty more need). Better pay will attract guards from other beaches, plus will draw in off duty police, firefighters, & nurses who will gladly help out, and will in turn provide other essential expertise (namely medical training) and provide long and stable leadership.
I just walked the entire beachfront. I realize some have gone back to college but I have never seen so many stands down. 3,5,8,9,11,13,15,17. I’m sure Lst is too, as their hasn’t been a lifeguard there in weeks. Great job Doherty, Dopey McGovern, and BA Connolly. Your lucky the water is calm!
Many stands down all summer. 17th avenue is a Busy ave. 18th has a stand by surfers?
10th stand up! 11 ,12, 13,14, no one?In my opinion it was a poor decision to fire all the lifeguards before the summer. It was never explained to the residents properly. Why try to fix something that wasn’t broken? I thought the point of that decision came from 1 stand down. So how’s this working for everyone’s safety?
Psychology exercise: Could the Lifeguards stands be manned/femanned where the food/refreshments concessions are located across the street? It’s all the fault of Colleen’s Business Partnership plan.
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