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Deal’s Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a new municipal beach Friday.

The public beach, located between Marine Place and Neptune Avenue, includes a swimming zone that by law will not exceed 300 ft. in width.

“The addition of beach fees seemed inevitable thanks to the Army Corps’ replenishment project,” said Surfrider Foundation co chair Andrew Chambarry in written statement. “Larger beaches will attract more people who want to access those beaches – as is their right – and many of those people will want to swim in the Atlantic. In this way, Deal is following the habit of most other towns in Monmouth County.”

Chambarry is among a group of protesters who spoke out against Deal’s previously proposed parking fees on streets along the waterfront.

“This ordinance legally grants access to more people than before while maintaining free parking,” Chambarry said. “We are committed to making sure that policies in Deal, and all shore towns, are consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine and the Beach Fee Statute.  I feel that this Ordinance accomplished those goals. Free parking, limited swimming and free and unrestricted surfing at the L jetty break.”

Below are the details as outlined in part by Chambarry:

The Monmouth Terrace beach hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Fees will be the same as at the borough’s Conover Pavilion: $8 for a daily pass, $10 on weekends and $150 for a seasonal pass.

Beach fees and lifeguards will be in effect through Labor Day. There will be one lifeguard stand in front of the swimming zone.

The surf break from the L jetty to the Hathaway jetty will remain untouched.

Surfing and fishing will be permitted outside of the swim zone at all times, and within the swim zone when the public beach is closed.

Surfers, fishermen and those that wish to walk the beach below the high tide mark and pass through will not be required to pay for a beach badge by law, Chambarry said. You have a right to access the high tide mark without getting charged.

Parking remains free.

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