Heading to the Delaware beaches this weekend? Here’s some things you might need to know – The News Journal

Lifeguards in Delaware have a lot of responsibilities, and COVID-19 is adding another layer to the risk they face on each beach day. Delaware News Journal

Heading to the Delaware beaches this weekend?

Here's what you need to know if you're planning on dipping your toes in the sand the weekend of June 19-21 and what the beaches look like in phase two of Gov. John Carney's reopening plan.

Delaware's beach towns are open to the public, but government and public health officials still have some suggestions to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Social distancing is encouraged in all public spaces, and people should maintain at least 6 feet of distance from people who are not members of their immediate household.

A sign sits on the entryway to a crowded Bethany Beach on a warm breezy Wednesday, June 10. Masks are required on the boardwalk but not the beach.(Photo: Jenna Miller/Delaware News Journal)

As for face masks, they are still required on the boardwalk, in public spaces where social distancing is difficultand inside businesses that are open. Face masks are recommended, but not required, on the beaches themselves, but social distancing is a requirementon the beach.

Swimming also is permitted, but there has been an increased risk of dangerous rip currents this week.

Make sure to check in with the local lifeguards before you dive in to learn about any potential hazards in the water or on the sand.

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Previous bans on out-of-state travelers and short-term rentals have been lifted. Delaware's reopening plan saysleisure travel "should be avoided" at this time, but it's allowed if people and businesses can adhere to social-distancing-related recommendations, according to the state.

Hotels and other accommodations also are now accepting reservations for vacation stays.

Delaware is in its second phase of reopening businesses previously restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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As of June 15, businesses that were operating at 30% of fire occupancy requirements canincrease capacity to 60%, not including staff.

However, exercise facilities and personal care services such as hair care, tanning, tattoo, massage therapy services, nail care and spas are to remain at 30% of fire occupancy requirements.

RELATED: One restaurant explains what to expect when dine-in service reopens

That means restaurants and bars can increase capacity to 60% of what's allowed by the fire marshal, but must still adhere to social distancing guidelines. Some have increased outdoor seating to try to accommodate more diners.

Moving toward normalcy means that summer parking fees are also back in place. Parking permits or metered parking is in effect in all of Delaware's beach towns from Lewes to Fenwick Island.

In Rehoboth Beach, there are a few areas within the first two blocks along Rehoboth Avenue closest to the beach and boardwalk that have barricades set up so that restaurants can have expanded outdoor seating. Parking is not permitted in those areas.

Some of the barricades that were used to create a pedestrian walkway so merchants could do business on the sidewalk because of the COVID-19 pandemic were being removed in downtown Rehoboth Beach by city crews on Wednesday morning. Some will still remain where restaurants have permission to set up on the sidewalk.(Photo: Chuck Snyder/Special to the Delaware News Journal)

Each town has different rules and rates for parking. For more information, visit an individual beach town's website or call Town Hall in the beach town you plan to visit before arriving.

Below are links to each oceanfront town's parking policies:

This weekend isn't looking like the most perfect beach weekend weather-wise, but forecasts can change.

Lifeguards watch over a crowded Bethany Beach on a warm breezy Wednesday, June 10. They've been trained to work in teams for rescues, wearing masks and gloves when possible due to coronavirus.(Photo: Jenna Miller/Delaware News Journal)

The National Weather Service forecast for Friday, June 19, inRehoboth Beach showed a 20% chance of showers witha high of 75degrees.

A chance of rain lingers into Saturday, which will start off with fog followed bya 50% chance of rain in the afternoonand a high of 76. There's a chance of heavy rain after 2 p.m. and thunderstorms are possible in the evening.

Sunday could see a high of 75 degrees, with a 30% chance of rain.

Water temperatures off the coast of Lewes are reaching the mid- to high-60s this week, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Contact reporter Maddy Lauria at (302) 345-0608,mlauria@delawareonline.com or on Twitter @MaddyinMilford.

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Heading to the Delaware beaches this weekend? Here's some things you might need to know - The News Journal

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