Needed context on controversial arrest of a surfer in New Jersey and the potential for change in the state’s surfing and beach access fees.

Jon Coen
Aug 30, 2024

The petition sources the Beach Fee Statute & Public Trust Document, the same one that Chief Scott referred to in her statement.

The part that Chief Scott did not cite was this one:

“A fee for use of bathing and recreational facilities and safeguards, such as lifeguards, toilets, showers, and parking, at publicly or privately owned beach or waterfront areas, may be charged... However, no fees shall be charged solely for access to or use of tidal waterways and their shores."

The petition points out further that N.J.A.C. 7:7 states, "Public access to and use of tidal waterways and their shores may not be conditioned upon providing identification or agreeing to any waiver or disclaimer of rights."

That line right there could bring a massive change to New Jersey in future summers. Braswell and Mahoney, each in their own way, may have inadvertently started a new, very meaningful conversation about who can regulate the use of the ocean.

READ HERE