The Surfrider Foundation’s volunteer-led Jersey Shore and South Jersey Chapters continue to respond to the incident on August 20, 2024 in Belmar, where a surfer was arrested under dubious reasons related to beach badges.
Surfrider has released two statements since the incident, and is working on a blog that lays out the legal history of beach badges in New Jersey. We are debating internally on what is the best path forward to increase beach access in the State, and will make those ideas public as soon as we can.
Additionally, we are going to host a public discussion about the Belmar arrest on October 9 at 6:30 pm (registration link!), and are reaching out to other NJ groups and individuals interested in working to make NJ beaches more accessible. If you or a group you represent would like to discuss this issue further, please reach out to Matt Gove, Surfrider’s Mid-Atlantic Policy Manager, at mgove@surfrider.org
Relevant Resources
- Surfrider National Policy on Beach Access
- Belmar Police Department Statement (8/21/2024)
- Belmar Police Department Statement and body camera footage (8/22/2024)
- Video of Protestor Ryan Schreiber Arrest in Belmar (8/24/24)
- Borough of Belmar Statement on Arrest (8/27/24)
- Borough of Belmar Statement on Arrest (9/4/24) (Can’t find a link currently)
Surfrider Statement #1 (8/21/24)
Surfrider is aware of a disturbing incident that happened in Belmar, NJ, wherein a surfer was roughly apprehended by local authorities for allegedly not properly displaying a beach badge.
Since we do not have any information about the events leading up to the video clip and why the police initially became involved, we cannot comment on the specifics of this individual situation. However, we are monitoring the event and encourage Belmar officials to provide a proper public debrief to provide clarity about the incident and the authorities’ response.
That being said, the Surfrider Foundation believes that surfing is not a crime and that the world’s beaches are public resources that should be open, free, welcoming to, and safe for all people. We encourage all beachgoers to look out for each other to keep everyone safe.
Surfrider Statement #2 (8/30/24)
The Surfrider Foundation fundamentally believes that the world’s beaches are public resources that should be open, free, welcoming, and safe for all people. This is also a legal right known as the Public Trust Doctrine, which is common law throughout America.
Surfrider has spent decades advocating for improved beach and ocean access in New Jersey. Although we understand the long history of beach badges and the need to fund beach services in New Jersey, we are taking a renewed look at the history and legal framework surrounding beach badges and exploring opportunities to expand beach access for all people.
Even if upheld by NJ case law, the beach badge system should be scrutinized in terms of equity and fairness. Not everyone can afford beach badges, and the ability to access the beach for recreation and relaxation should not be reserved for those who can. There is a history of systemic discrimination that has impeded public beach access across the U.S., and beach badges can perpetuate this discrimination.
If you or a group you represent are interested in discussing this issue further, please reach out to Matt Gove, Surfrider’s Mid-Atlantic Policy Manager, at mgove@surfrider.org. We can include you in our collaborative efforts on beach badges and beach access. Surfrider looks forward to working with our network of community supporters and local and state leaders who are interested in making New Jersey’s beaches more accessible, equitable, and welcoming for all people.