September 8th 2023

During the 2023 summer season, fewer overall units of Ocean City beach tags were sold compared to 2022, but revenue surged by over 50 percent, according to recent data released. The increase in revenue was primarily attributed to a price hike in beach tag fees for the 2023 season.

In recent years, Ocean City has consistently maintained robust beach tag sales, making them a crucial indicator of the town's summer season strength. The summer of 2023 stood out in terms of revenue.

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The total revenue generated from beach tags for the season reached $6,089,390, marking a substantial increase of 52.5 percent compared to the figures from 2022, as explained by Ocean City Public Information Officer Doug Bergen.

The alteration in beach tag pricing influenced the types of tags beachgoers opted for. The most significant shift was observed in the sales of weekly tags, which increased from $20. It seems that many beachgoers were willing to spend an additional $15 for a seasonal tag, priced at $30 pre-season and $35 in-season.

The discounted seasonal tags, previously priced at $20 until May 31 in 2022, were raised to $30 for the 2023 season. After May 31, the rate further increased to $35. Additionally, weekly beach tags saw a price increase from $10 to $20 for the summer, and daily tags doubled from $5 to $10.

Here's a breakdown of the number of beach tags sold:

- Seasonal tags sold decreased from 127,996 in 2022 to 122,316, representing a 4.4 percent decline or 5,680 fewer tags.
- Pre-season sales up to May 31 dropped by 7,362, while in-season sales increased by 1,682.
- Daily tag sales decreased by 11.2 percent, with 19,926 fewer tags sold compared to 2022.
- Weekly beach tag sales also declined by 18.9 percent, with 8,838 fewer tags sold compared to the previous year.

While the price increase may have led to more beachgoers choosing seasonal tags for better value, other factors contributed to the decline in weekly and daily tag sales. These factors include unfavorable weather conditions in June and difficulties in recruiting seasonal staff for beach tag inspections.

It's worth noting that these beach tag figures are preliminary, but city officials do not anticipate significant changes in the final reporting, expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Information regarding parking revenue will be available at the end of the season next month.

Revenue generated from beach tag sales is earmarked for maintaining and safeguarding the beach, including funding services such as the Ocean City Beach Patrol lifeguards, beach tag inspection staff, daily beach cleaning, accessibility amenities like beach mats, and contributing to local beach replenishment projects, according to Doug Bergen.

In October, Ocean City's Chief Financial Officer Frank Donato emphasized the need for increased beach tag prices, citing rising costs associated with beach maintenance, cleaning, and protection. This additional revenue helped stabilize taxes for the year and covered expenses related to beach maintenance, replenishment, and lifeguard salaries.

Since 1976, Ocean City has required beach tags from Memorial Day to Labor Day, consistently leading all New Jersey shore towns in beach tag sales due to its expansive 7-mile-long beachfront, capable of accommodating substantial summer crowds, often reaching around 150,000 people, far surpassing the year-round population of approximately 11,200 residents.