Families soak up the 4th of July celebrations along the Jersey Shore
ASBURY PARK, N.J. -- Families made their way to the beach as early as 5 a.m. on July 4th to catch a beautiful sunrise.
Plenty of folks had already claimed their prime beach spots for the day.
"The beach is always a nice place to go on the 4th, you know," one beachgoer said.
With beach chairs and coolers in hand, people at the Jersey Shore were ready to celebrate.
"Hanging out with family, drinking, eating good food," one person said.
"Just chill. Hang here by the beach all day," said another.
At Asbury Park, folks got their holiday morning workouts in, like jogging, walking or cycling up and down the boardwalk.
"We're all just here taking a long stroll across the boardwalk. We originally came for the sunrise, and then we're probably going to watch the fireworks tonight," one person said.
Whether you're into catching rays, eating boardwalk favorites or listening to music, you could have it all while still making it back home in time for a barbecue.
"We'll chill at the beach, go home, have a nice barbecue then relax the rest of the day," Adam Lustig said.
"Beach and barbecue. Hoping to hang out with friends and family, and hoping the sun comes out," Jaime Lustig said.
One fan traveled from Baltimore for Tuesday night's sold out show featuring the band Goose at the Stone Pony Summerstage along Ocean Avenue.
"Super excited. We caught a heck of a fireworks display last night at Asbury Park," a man named Dennis said.
Although the fireworks display took place Monday night, there are still plenty of shows elsewhere along the shore:
- Atlantic Highlands has their fair with a fireworks show from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
- Beachwood's display will be around dusk
- Long Branch will have a show at 9 p.m.
Among all the fun, you can't forget safety. Beach officials reminded people to remain close to the shore and only swim in the water when lifeguards are on duty. At Asbury Park, that's until 6 p.m.
In Long Branch, there was a sea of umbrellas on the beach. The hazy and overcast weather did not keep away the masses.
"It's a nice day, not too sunny, so we're coming to relax at the beach and have a good time," Florham Park resident Junaid Olanipekun said.
Big sandcastles were constructed and small seaside projects were in the cards for the little ones.
"We want to build a big hole so we can put chairs in there," said Orli Belleli of Great Neck, New York.
"It's fun and I like going to the ocean with the waves," Shirel Belleli said.
The water was cold and rough, as some teens found out.
"The waves are crazy, got smacked by one earlier," said Gabriel Gabbi of Union.
"Never swim unless a lifeguard is there, never," lifeguard training officer Gene Hession said.
Around 100 lifeguards were on duty on Tuesday in Long Branch. So far this summer, there have been 270 rescues.
"We just try to make sure we control the crowds and keep them where we want them, where they are safe," chief lifeguard Dan George said.
On average, they say they do over 600 rescues a season, citing rip currents as responsible for 80% of them.
"Don't fight it, stay calm, and swim parallel to the shore," George said.
Along Pier Village, a steady stream of customers were at the restaurants, but the couple that owns a Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls franchise said the season has been tough.
"The weather kind of hurt us and the fires out of Canada kind slowed down the traffic," co-owner Kevin Bastedo said.
"We try to push social media, marketing. We do a bunch of stuff to get people to come," co-owner Jennifer Bastedo added.
There is also a food festival and fireworks are scheduled to begin after 9 p.m.