DEWEY BEACH, Del. - This summer, visitors to Dewey Beach can look forward to a safer and more spacious swimming experience on the Van Dyke Avenue bayside. The town has announced plans to extend the designated swimming area, a proactive measure taken to enhance safety for beachgoers.
Many people anchor their boats by the bay on Van Dyke Ave to visit nearby restaurants. This is why the town roped off three-quarters of the water by the marina and the beach for a swimming area about three years ago.
Dewey Beach Town Manager, Bill Zolper, says he and Dewey Beach Patrol Captain, Todd Fritchman, have noticed boats getting too close to swimmers.
"It's a very hazardous condition when you have boats and swimmers in the same area," said Zolper.
Deullah Nawroz and his family visit Dewey Beach often. Nawroz told CoastTV his kids like swimming in the bay on Van Dyke Ave, but he has worried about their safety.
"Especially during the summertime, the kids like to play here and swim out there, and there are times I've seen jet skis and boats come in a little too close, and it's been concerning," he said.
The town says its main priority is making sure everyone has a safe and fun time in Dewey Beach.