It's a Shore Thing

3940

By John Burton
MONMOUTH BEACH – It’s a lot more than just “a day at the beach” for those who manage this borough’s oceanfront facilities.
“It’s a big operation,” bathing pavilion manager Amanda Stump said.
Those who come to the lifeguarded beach and spread their blanket on the clean, raked sand and enjoy the surf on a hot summer’s day probably don’t know about what it takes to ensure their fun and safety.
Stump is one of three managers who oversee the 70-plus crew for the municipally-operated bathing pavilion, beach and pool at 29 Ocean Ave. Locals call it “Little Monmouth,” differentiating it from “Big Monmouth,” which refers to Monmouth Beach Bath and Tennis Club, a privately owned members-only club, just a bit north at 65 Ocean Ave.
The manager’s day starts at 7 a.m. She arrives with the cleanup crew, a group of about 17 high school and college students who work on removing trash and debris from the municipal beach and pool area. They also clean the restrooms and other common areas.
“When people come here, they’re looking for a relaxing, enjoyable experience,” Stump said. “I like to think we contribute to that.”
“It is nice and clean and the staff is so nice,” said Candy Soleski, an Oceanport resident who has been a member for 42 years.
“I come to relax and read on the beach. It’s a wonderful way to spend your summer days,” said Soleski, who is a teacher.
Following the cleaning crew’s work, lifeguards arrive at 8:45 a.m. to warm up and prepare for their day. They are on duty on the beach from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily. Lifeguards at the pool are there from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and until 8 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.
The day’s operations “should be seamless. It should always look like this,” Stump said walking through area before patrons arrive and showing how the pavilion’s patio area, with gleaming white Adirondack chairs are perfectly lined up and tables and chairs neatly arranged. The restrooms have already been freshly cleaned, awaiting the day’s beach visitors, as families began strolling in with parents lugging chairs and bags and kids out onto the sand.
Stump, who is an athletic trainer at Raritan Regional High School in Hazlet, has worked at the Monmouth Beach Club for 22 years, since she was 14. She has been a manager for the last 10 years. Her connection goes back even further, coming here with her family before getting a job, she said.
“It would be a tough thing not being here in the summer,” she said, noting how big a part this beach in particular has played in her life.
“It’s a fun job, an interesting job,” she said. “I mean, c’mon, look around you. It’s not too bad being on the Jersey Shore for the summer. You could be spending your time in an office.”
What has helped her to enjoy her job is the high retention rate of the staff; more than 75 percent return each summer, already aware of what their job involves. Made up of high school and college students and teachers off for the summer, the staff returns year after year. “The only time they leave is when they get a ‘real job’” and aren’t available to work summers any longer, Stump said.
Mike Houlihan, a 37-year-old Newark public school health and physical education teacher, is Monmouth Beach’s head lifeguard. He has worked at the borough beach for six years and 15 years as a lifeguard at various locations.
He sees lifeguarding as “teaching in a different capacity.” While it’s fun in the sun for the crowds and even for him, in some regards, Houlihan acknowledges lifeguarding is serious business with he and his co-workers overseeing the public’s safety, especially for the children.
“It isn’t all fun and games,” Stump said. “I pride myself on maintaining a safe environment.”
She also lets her younger staffers know “it’s not just a summer job. I would like for them to treat it like their home.”
Donna Sickels, an instructional assistant for the Red Bank Primary School, has been working as desk attendant/beach badge checker for about eight years, after being a member for 18 years. “It’s a great place, a family place,” she said. After spending most of the year with young children, she said she welcomes “the chance to use the adult brain.

Donna Sickels works as the desk attendant/beach badge checker in Monmouth Beach.
Donna Sickels works as the desk attendant/beach badge checker in Monmouth Beach.

“It’s a decompress for me,” she said.
For Emily Mayer, a 19-year-old Red Bank resident on summer break from the University of Delaware, there is no downside to her first year as a badge checker. “So far I absolutely love it,” she said. “I wish I could major in badge checking.”
Along with spending much of the day with people her own age, Mayer said her job allows her to hone skills interacting with the public, which will benefit her in the long run.
Monmouth Beach’s pavilion was heavily damaged by Super Storm Sandy in October 2012 and was rebuilt, ready for operation last summer.
“That was important for the overall morale” of the town, Stump said. The facility became a symbol of resilience for the community.
The pavilion contains restroom facilities, showers, lockers and a food concession stand.
“The job is always interesting,” Stump said. “Anytime you deal with the public, it’s interesting.”
Making the job a bit more interesting this year has been whale, shark, dolphin and seal sightings offshore, she said.
“You don’t know what’s going to happen” on any given day. “It’s not a boring job.”
The Monmouth Beach bathing pavilion has 2,619 various level members for the 2014 season, which lasts from Memorial Day to Labor Day, according to borough information.
Borough resident bathhouse and pool members pay $1,100 a season, which gives them five season beach and pool badges and access to the pavilion; for nonresidents the cost is $2,250.
For use of a locker for residents the cost is $550, which includes three badges; for nonresidents, the cost is $1,230.
A season badge for residents, which includes the beach and pool, is $140 for those age 12 to 65; $55 for ages 5-11; and $50 for those 65 and older. Badges are $380 for nonresidents, ages 12 to 64, $160 for children 5 to 11 and $135 for seniors 65 and older.
A season badge for the beach only is $75. Daily beach badges are $9 each.
MBBP3-IMG_3284