Seaside Heights, NJ – As the Jersey Shore gears up for the unofficial start of summer, officials from multiple coastal towns are issuing a strong and unified message to visitors ahead of Memorial Day weekend: behave—or don’t bother coming.
The warning comes in light of recent years’ disruptions during holiday weekends that have seen a sharp increase in unruly behavior, underage drinking, curfew violations, and public safety threats.
In response, several municipalities are bolstering police patrols, enforcing stricter curfews, and instituting new rules for minors and beachgoers.
“We welcome everyone who wants to enjoy the Jersey Shore,” said Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian in a public statement earlier this week. “But if you’re coming to cause trouble, you’re not welcome. It’s that simple.”
A History of Chaos
Memorial Day weekend is typically one of the busiest times of the year for the Shore, drawing tens of thousands of tourists and young adults looking to celebrate the start of summer.
But in recent years, the increase in large crowds—many of them unsupervised minors—has caused concern among residents and law enforcement.
In May 2024, Wildwood, NJ declared a temporary state of emergency after a wave of unruly crowds flooded its boardwalk. That same weekend, Ocean City police responded to hundreds of calls, including incidents of vandalism, theft, and public intoxication.
A stabbing involving a 15-year-old near the boardwalk shocked residents and made headlines across the state.
“This isn’t the kind of attention we want,” said Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio. “We want families, we want beachgoers, and we want people who are respectful of our communities.”
Increased Enforcement
This year, towns along the coast are determined to avoid a repeat of those events. Local governments and police departments have coordinated to implement enhanced enforcement measures over the holiday weekend and throughout the summer.
Among the most significant measures:
- Increased Police Presence: Ocean City, Seaside Heights, and Sea Isle City have committed to deploying all available full-time and seasonal officers. Mobile surveillance units, bike patrols, and K-9 units will also be activated during peak hours.
- Curfews for Minors: Several towns, including Seaside Heights, have enacted curfews for individuals under 18. Minors are banned from public areas—including the boardwalk—between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Backpack Bans: Towns such as Wildwood and Ocean City have reintroduced restrictions on backpacks and large bags after 8 p.m. on boardwalks to curb the smuggling of alcohol and drugs.
- Rental and Hotel Regulations: New guidelines are also being enforced to prevent unsupervised minors from renting properties. In Seaside Heights, individuals under 21 are required to have a legal adult on the lease, and homeowners may be held liable if their guests cause disturbances.
- Noise and Party Ordinances: Police in multiple towns are prioritizing enforcement of public nuisance laws, including noise violations, public urination, and open-container alcohol laws.
“These are commonsense measures,” said Seaside Heights Police Chief Tommy Boyd. “We’re not looking to issue citations unnecessarily, but we’re not going to let what happened last year repeat itself.”
Warnings from Mayors
In a rare joint statement issued earlier this week, the mayors of Ocean City, Sea Isle City, and North Wildwood addressed visitors directly: “If your intention is to drink underage, fight in the streets, or break the law, stay home. If you want to enjoy our towns respectfully, you’re more than welcome.”
Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian emphasized that while teens are welcome to visit, they must adhere to local laws. “Parents need to be aware of where their children are, who they’re with, and what they’re doing,” he said. “We don’t want to see another summer start with arrests and ambulances.”
Business and Community Support
Local businesses, many of which depend on tourism for summer revenue, are cautiously optimistic. Danny Merk, owner of the iconic Shore Store in Seaside Heights, said the town’s firm stance appears to be working.
“Last year was tough, but I think the message is getting through. We’re not anti-fun, we’re anti-chaos,” Merk said. “Most people come down here and have a great time. It’s the 5% who ruin it for everyone else.”
Residents have echoed support for the tougher stance, particularly those who live year-round near boardwalks and beaches. Community groups in Ocean City and Sea Isle City have launched social media campaigns urging visitors to “Respect the Shore.”
A Safer Summer Ahead?
State officials are backing the towns’ efforts. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management has coordinated with shore towns to ensure adequate emergency response resources, while the New Jersey State Police are offering assistance as needed.
“We understand the Shore is a major destination for New Jerseyans and out-of-state tourists,” said NJSP Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan. “But safety is our top priority. We will not hesitate to make arrests when necessary.”
The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism also issued a statement reminding visitors to plan ahead and review local ordinances before traveling. More information on travel advisories and local safety rules can be found at visitnj.org.
Moving Forward
As Memorial Day weekend begins, shore towns hope to strike a balance between hospitality and public order. Police departments across the region report readiness and have encouraged visitors to report any suspicious activity or violations via anonymous tip lines.
“Come down and enjoy our beaches, boardwalks, and restaurants,” said Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano. “But remember—it’s a privilege, not a right.”
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.