Belmar Officials Respond to Public Interest in Surfer Arrest, Affirm Commitment to Fair Beach Access

BELMAR, NJ – The Belmar Mayor and Council have released a statement addressing public interest following the arrest of a surfer on Belmar Beach last week . Officials assured the community that the incident was isolated and emphasized their commitment to a thorough review of the circumstances, in line with guidelines set by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.

The arrest, involving local surfer Liam Mahoney, occurred on August 20th during a routine check for beach badges. The incident has attracted significant public attention and sparked widespread discussion on social media. To counter misinformation and maintain public trust, Belmar Police Chief Tina Scott quickly released a statement and video detailing the events leading up to the arrest.

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"We want to emphasize this arrest was an isolated incident involving someone who refused to provide identification or comply with an officer’s lawful instructions," the Mayor and Council stated. They confirmed that a review is underway to ensure all actions were conducted appropriately.

The statement also highlighted the importance of beach badge sales for the town, noting that fees are necessary to maintain amenities such as lifeguards, bathrooms, and playgrounds. "Like most Jersey Shore towns, we rely on beach badge sales to pay our lifeguards and staff, clean the beach, and provide amenities," they said, referencing New Jersey State Statutes that permit municipalities to charge a reasonable fee for beach access.

Officials reiterated their dedication to fair and equal access to Belmar's beaches, in line with the Public Trust Doctrine. "We are consulting additional State resources to provide further clarity on how the Public Trust Doctrine, the State Statutes, and our Ordinances may efficiently interact when providing this access," the statement continued.

The Mayor and Council also expressed gratitude to Chief Scott for her prompt response to the situation and extended thanks to the beach staff for their professionalism amid a challenging summer season marked by record crowds and incidents of harassment.

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"We would like to emphasize that we welcome the surf community in Belmar," the statement concluded, underscoring that surfing remains an integral part of the town’s culture. The officials invited all visitors to explore Belmar's family-friendly beaches, where they can surf, swim, and enjoy the best the Jersey Shore has to offer.

As the review of the arrest continues, Belmar authorities remain committed to transparency, fairness, and the safety of all beachgoers.

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