OCEAN CITY, Md. - As summer crowds continue to pack the sand, the Ocean City Beach Patrol is stepping up efforts to educate visitors about new beach rules that took effect this season.
Captain Butch Arbin and members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol have been spending their days driving up and down the shoreline, stopping to talk with beachgoers about what’s allowed — and what’s not — under the updated ordinance.
“Has anybody talked to you about this tent today?” Arbin asked one group on the beach. “These are now in violation of the city ordinance as of this year.”
Under the new rules, the city now:
Bans all tents except for small baby tents
Prevents canopies from being set up before 10 a.m. if left unattended
Limits canopy size to 10 feet by 10 feet
Requires at least three feet of space between canopies
Prohibits anchors or stakes that extend beyond the canopy’s cover
“Has anybody talked to you about this tent today?” Arbin asked one group on the beach. “These are now in violation of the city ordinance as of this year.”
Arbin says the Beach Patrol has been actively engaging with the public to spread awareness about the updated guidelines.
“This season, we’ve talked to thousands of people,” Arbin said. “We’ve had thousands of contacts.”
When unattended tents are found early in the morning, Arbin says beach patrol tags them — as a way to let people know about the new rule.
Locals like Joi Dowling support the rule that prevents canopies from being set up before 10 a.m. if left unattended. “They leave, and other people are left out,” Dowling said. “They can’t get the prime spot that they came here for to enjoy.”
When unattended tents are found early in the morning, Arbin says beach patrol tags them — as a way to let people know about the new rule.
But some vacationers feel the new ordinance goes too far. “Just let them do what they want,” said vacationer Brian Kubeck.
For now, the enforcement approach remains educational — no fines are being issued. Instead, beach patrol officers are focused on informing the public and easing the transition.
While no fines are being issued yet, violations could eventually lead to penalties ranging from $100 to $1,000.
In the meantime, Ocean City officials and beach patrol members are asking visitors to stay informed and follow the updated beach rules.