INDIAN RIVER INLET, Del. — Beach visitors at Delaware Seashore State Park should be prepared for temporary closures and safety restrictions starting Monday, July 14, as the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control begins testing the upgraded sand bypass system near the Indian River Inlet.
According to DNREC, the bypass system will operate on the following schedule: July 14–17, July 21–24, July 28–31, and Aug. 4–6. Each Monday through Thursday, pumping will take place daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
During these periods, large volumes of sand will be moved through high-pressure pipes from the south side of the inlet to the north side. The operation is designed to mimic natural sand movement along the Atlantic Coast, maintain beach width, protect infrastructure and improve coastal resilience. The system had been offline for several years before receiving new pumps and an electric motor.
Entering designated work zones during or outside of pumping hours is dangerous and strictly prohibited. Pumped sand becomes saturated and can pose a serious risk of entrapment, and rip currents may develop in the water near the pumping area.
Most of the park and its beaches will remain open to the public. Barriers and signs will mark restricted areas, and DNREC staff will be stationed at access points to assist visitors and enforce safety rules. In the water, hazardous zones will be marked with white buoys featuring orange bands.
Violating park regulations can lead to fines between $50 and $250 for a first offense.