Memorial Day Weekend is finally here and with it comes barbeques, events, beach days, and the official start to the summer season for our local resort towns. Just in case you need a refresher on the rules and regulations for Delmarva’s shoreline here are a few highlights to keep you safe.

All of the major beaches, including Rehoboth, Bethany and Ocean City do not allow…

• dogs on the beach after May 1 except for on Dewey Beach, where they must be on a leash
• Fires or grills on the beach
• Alcoholic beverages and glass containers
•  The digging of holes that are larger than knee-deep

Specifically in Ocean City, there is no skim boarding or surfing between 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. However, there are other designated surfing beaches where swimming and wading are strictly prohibited. These plots of beach rotate two blocks south every day and are marked by flags and signs. The Inlet is available for surfing Monday through Friday.

If you are travelling to Bethany Beach, the Town of Bethany would like you to know that fishing and surfing are not permitted on the beach. Save your bait and line for a deep sea fishing cruise instead! Remember to keep kites at home along with tents that have exposed spikes. Also, stay off the jetties, they are slippery and dangerous.

Rehoboth Beach also requires that there is no sleeping or changing in cars, in comfort stations, under or on the boardwalk or on benches. Please do not feed the sea gulls or smoke on the beach. Skateboarding is prohibited on the boardwalk at any time but biking is allowed from daybreak to 10 a.m. from May 15 through September 15.

Although the beach provides a clear view of the stars at night, make sure to be off the beach in Ocean City from 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. and Rehoboth 1 a.m. to daybreak (or 30 minutes before sunrise).

Also, it is important to listen to the lifeguards at all times; they are there for your safety! It is best to swim only when lifeguards are on duty, that way they can help you if any crisis arises. Also be aware of rip currents which can suck a swimmer out to sea. These are categorized by drastically different water color caused by the churning undertow. If you are caught in a riptide, stay calm and swim parallel to shore until you are free of the strong current.

Where ever you are staying this weekend, we at ShoreBread hopes you have a fun and safe trip, and don’t forget your sunscreen!