Not Quite Summer Yet at the Shore, But Beachgoers Still Enjoy the Holiday

Who says that air temperatures hovering in the low 60s and the ocean water temperature stubbornly stuck in the 50-degree range aren’t perfect beach conditions?

Well, probably everybody, but that still didn’t stop throngs of beachgoers in Sea Isle City from sticking their toes in the sand or venturing into the chilly water to celebrate the Memorial Day weekend at the shore.

Memorial Day weekend is the traditional kickoff to the summer tourism season, but the weather was more fall-like Saturday, including gusty winds on top of the brisk temperatures.

Cousins Ally Sibole and Nora Weiner, both clad in bikinis, were shivering after they emerged from the 55-degree ocean on the 40th Street beach. They assumed that the water temperature was even colder than that when they first braved the nippy surf.

“It was cold, but fun. You have to get used to it,” said Sibole, who lives in York, Pa.

Weiner, of Philadelphia, guessed that the water temperature was closer to the 30s. She was serious.

“When you get out of the water, it kind of stings,” she said.

Although Sibole and Weiner were wearing bikinis, other beachgoers were bundled up to try to keep warm in the windy weather.

    Dan Wendt, his wife, Dana, and his mother, Jane Wendt, all wear sweatshirts while trying to keep warm on the beach.
  

Dan Wendt, his wife, Dana, and his mother, Jane Wendt, were all wearing heavy sweatshirts while sitting on the beach. Dana also had a beach towel draped over her for warmth.

The Wendts live in Fleetwood, Pa., and have a summer vacation home in Sea Isle. They noted that they are used to the occasionally chilly weather on Memorial Day weekend.

“Yes, we’ve been out in weather like this before,” Dan said.

“We’re diehards. But he’s brave. He has shorts on,” Jane Wendt, laughing, noted of her son’s beach attire, in addition to his sweatshirt.

Patrice Yackel, of Maple Shade, N.J., also was wearing a sweatshirt while relaxing in a beach chair and reading “The Missing Half” by Ashley Flowers. She was joined by her daughters, Ciera and Addison, who were also trying to stay warm.

“It’s chilly, but beautiful,” Patrice said.

Moments later, she looked at the few people who were swimming and shook her head in amazement.

“I can’t believe they’re in the water,” she said.

    Maple Shade, N.J., resident Patrice Yackel, center, joined by daughters Ciera and Addison, is eagerly awaiting summer's arrival.
  

The Yackels decided to visit Sea Isle for a one-day holiday getaway at the shore. Patrice Yackel said she has been “very eagerly” awaiting the arrival of the Memorial Day weekend.

“It’s the start of the summer,” she said, emphatically.

Sea Isle’s lifeguards have begun protecting a limited number of beaches for the holiday weekend, but will expand their coverage later in the summer.

Lifeguards Michael Montgomery and Pat Scannapieco were watching over only a handful of swimmers Saturday afternoon at the 40th Street beach.

“I’m surprised that there’s this much action, to be honest,” Montgomery said, referring to the few swimmers who took a plunge in the cold water.

However, the chilly temperatures didn’t discourage beachgoers from buying ice cream from the “Fudgy Wudgy Man” cart pushed along the shoreline by Michaela McCook.

“It’s not too bad. It’s getting better,” McCook said of the ice cream sales.

The same thing could be said of the shore weather that will be coming later in the weekend. The forecast calls for the temperature to rise to around 70 degrees on both Sunday and Memorial Day.

    Michaela McCook sells ice cream and water from her "Fudgy Wudgy Man" cart.
  

    Pedestrians take a stroll on Sea Isle City's oceanfront Promenade.
  

    Sea Isle City beach tag inspectors Carole Yoder and Ian Bishop are getting ready for the summer season.
  

    Sea Isle City beachgoers find a favorite spot to relax on the sand.

    Lifeguards Michael Montgomery, left, and Pat Scannapieco protect the beachgoers at 40th Street.