Fenwick Island, Delaware Beach Rules & Regulations

Beach Rules

  • The Town of Fenwick Island public beach runs from Lewes Street to E. Atlantic Street.
  • No alcoholic beverages are permitted on the beach from May 15 through September 15.
  • No pets or other animals are permitted on the beach at any time from May 1 through September 30.
  • Beach bonfires require a permit, fee, and deposit. Bonfires are allowed after 5:00 p.m., must be at least 50 feet from combustible items, and must be extinguished by 11:00 p.m. All participants must be off the beach by midnight.
  • No bonfires are permitted during a state burning ban or when an easterly wind would endanger houses or dunes.
  • Fishing from the beach is prohibited while lifeguards are on duty unless permitted by a lifeguard.
  • Glass containers are prohibited on the beach at all times.
  • All parking on town streets and beach ends requires a permit from May 15 through September 15.
  • No sleeping on any part of the beach between 12:00 midnight and 8:00 a.m.
  • Smoking is prohibited on the beach, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, tobacco, herbs, weeds, and marijuana.
  • Selling or soliciting on the beach is not allowed unless approved by Town Council.

Umbrellas, Tents & Vessels

  • Umbrellas and beach tents may not block lifeguards' view of the ocean, lifeguard access from stands, or emergency vehicle access.
  • Umbrellas may be no greater than 8 feet in diameter and 8 feet in height.
  • Tents must be open on at least three sides and must be either no greater than 8 feet in diameter and 8 feet high, or no larger than 10 feet by 10 feet and 8 feet high.
  • Tents must be secured, anchoring devices must stay within the tent area, and tents must be placed at least 10 feet apart.
  • Tents and umbrellas are allowed on the beach from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. only. Unattended items left outside those hours may be removed and discarded.
  • The Fenwick Island Beach Patrol may prohibit tents and umbrellas during unsafe weather, high winds, storms, or high surf.
  • Launching or beaching non-motorized vessels from the beach is prohibited while lifeguards are on duty unless permitted by a lifeguard.
  • Launching or beaching motorized vessels is prohibited, and operating a motorized vessel within 100 feet of the beach is prohibited.
  • Storing a boat on the beach is prohibited.
  • Lifeguards may prohibit inflatable or solid flotation devices they determine are unsafe or a public safety hazard.
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