[HISTORY: Adopted by the Common Council (now Board of Commissioners) of the City of Ventnor City 5-27-1968 by Ord. No. 11-1968; amended in its entirety 11-14-1996 by Ord. No. 9614. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
BODYBOARD
A device of any foam, buoyant material, not exceeding four feet in length, having or not having fins, designed and suitable for the sport of bodyboarding.
[Added 6-28-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-10]
KAYAK
A portable, watertight canoe, manually propelled or navigated by a double-bladed paddle, constructed of a light wood or plastic-type frame completely encased except for a single or double body opening.
KAYAKING
The navigation of a kayak in the surf.
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD (SUP)
A device of any rigid buoyant material, fitted with a fin or fins, designed specifically for the rider to stand on top of and manually propel or navigate by the use of a paddle.
[Added 6-28-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-10]
SURF
The area of any body of water adjoining the shoreline in which the wave action is increased or accelerated by reason of the decreasing depth of water approaching the shoreline. For the purposes of this chapter, "surf" shall include all areas between the shoreline and the outer limits of such wave action in the Atlantic Ocean.
SURFBOARD
A device of any rigid buoyant material, exceeding four feet in length and fitted with a fin or fins, designed and suitable for the sport of surfing or surf riding.
[Amended 6-28-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-10]
SURFING or SURF RIDING
The practice or sport of riding upon a surfboard in the surf.
[Amended 6-28-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-10]
No person shall engage in the sport of surfing, surf riding, kayaking or bodyboarding or shall use stand-up paddleboards within the City of Ventnor City or the surf adjoining the shoreline of the same between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and between the dates of May 30 and September 15, inclusive, except as provided in this chapter.
[Amended 6-28-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-10]
Surfing, surf riding, or kayaking, bodyboarding or using stand-up paddleboards may be permitted during the regulated periods at times and areas designated by the duly constituted Beach Patrol Chief or the lifeguards under his jurisdiction where, under existing conditions or for special purposes, the same may be found to be consistent with the health and safety of the public. Nothing in this chapter shall be taken to imply any obligation upon the City of Ventnor City to provide lifeguards or other protection for the safety of persons engaged in the sport of surfing, surf riding, kayaking, bodyboarding or using stand-up paddleboards or that any particular areas are declared safe for the same.
[Amended 6-28-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-10]
At no time shall surfing, surf riding, kayaking, bodyboarding or using stand-up paddleboards be permitted within 200 feet of the Ventnor City fishing pier. The overnight storing or leaving of kayaks unattended on the beach is prohibited at all times.
[Amended 6-28-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-10]
Any area that may be designated as an area for surfing, surf riding, kayaking, bodyboarding or using stand-up paddleboards shall be clearly marked.
[Amended 6-28-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-10]
Any area that may be designated as an area for surfing, surf riding, kayaking, bodyboarding or using stand-up paddleboards shall be adopted by resolution prior to or during the bathing season or at any time deemed necessary.
[Amended 1-9-1997 by Ord. No. 9616]
Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceeding 30 days, or both, in the discretion of the Municipal Judge. In addition to or as a substitute for the previously mentioned fine, the imposition of community service shall be authorized as an additional penalty, which community service shall not exceed 90 days.