Ready for a beautiful weekend at the Delaware beaches? What to know before your visit
Time is not yet up for biting into fresh, juicy peaches at the farmers market, strolling the boardwalk with an ice cream cone in your hand or dancing to live music in Dewey Beach.
As August rolls on, and the weather finally cools off a little bit, there's no better time to get yourself to the Delaware beaches.
But if you're headed that way this weekend, you may want a refresher on what to know before you go. Fear not: We've got you covered.
Delaware Online/The News Journal has been following the latest news at the Delaware beaches all summer, and we've rounded up a few things to know, ranging from the latest weather report to updated COVID-19 guidance to the latest on travel trends.
For anyone looking to visit the Delaware beaches during the weekend of Aug. 12, check out this guide for the latest information.
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What's the beach forecast like this weekend?
Finally, temperatures are sliding back to the 80s and high 70s after the heat index reached triple digits in some parts of the state these past couple weeks.
While the weekend forecast is looking beautiful so far — mostly clear and sunny skies — some beachgoers in Bethany Beach will be the first to tell you that the weather can be quickly-changing along the coast. Last week, a storm popped up seemingly "out of nowhere" and sent dozens of umbrellas flying up into the air and out to the ocean near Sea Colony.
So, this is your reminder: Always remember to check the weather before making your way onto the sand. The National Weather Service even as a tool that shows people what the UV index and water temperatures is expected to be at several beach locations: https://www.weather.gov/beach/phi.
Here's a breakdown so far of what the National Weather Service is predicting for the Rehoboth Beach area.
For one, the hot weather lately has also warmed up the ocean temperatures to the high 60s and low 70s. Though, as many people have noted on social media lately, that means beachgoers should be extra cautious of jellyfish, which tend to like the warmer waters.
On Friday, the forecast is mostly sunny with a high near 79 degrees. People can expect a north wind at about 15 mph, the weather service reported. The evening should remain clear with a low around 67.
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Saturday brings similar weather with sunny skies and a high near 78, and then an evening cool off around 68.
The temperatures continue to warm up a bit more on Sunday with a high near 80, but so far the sunshine seems to be sticking around for the whole weekend. The evening will bring in a few clouds and a low around 70 degrees.
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What about the Delaware beaches bacteria advisories?
There are no active water advisories for the Delaware beaches as of Aug. 10, according to the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control's website.
For the past couple weeks, DNREC has reported occasional water advisories due to elevated bacteria levels in parts of Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach. The latest advisory was reported late Thursday, Aug. 4 and cleared by Friday afternoon.
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While all beaches remained open during these advisories, DNREC advised swimmers to avoid prolonged periods in the water. The bacteria levels were likely due to wildlife feeding near the surf, the state agency reported.
Fresh fruits and veggies at the Lewes Farmers Market
Looking to shake up your beach weekend? Well, then we've got good news: The Delaware beaches are in no shortage of activities to keep you busy and in the best beach mood.
One of this beach reporter's favorite parts of summer along the coast is the fabulous farmers markets offering the freshest fruits, veggies and baked goods.
The Lewes Farmers Market is every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at George H.P. Smith Park in downtown Lewes. And what better way is there to celebrate summer than with fresh peaches or sweet corn or piles of fragrant tomatoes?
2022 skimboarding championships
But if you're looking for more thrills, then maybe you want to head down to Dewey Beach this weekend. The Zap Pro/Am World Championships of Skimboarding will be hosting competitions all weekend along the beach at Dagsworthy Street, including live music and other festivities.
As part of the celebration of this unique sport, the West Side Creative Market will be screening a skimboard film by Delaware native Skyler Wilson at 8 p.m. Friday at 19826 Central Street in Rehoboth. Tickets for the screening are available here. Then, on Saturday, Highway One is hosting a fundraiser featuring reggae music at Ivy between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Nassau Valley Vineyards mini-blues festival
Are outdoor music festivals or popular musical tributes more your style?
On Saturday evening, Nassau Valley Vineyards in Lewes is hosting a one-day mini-blues festival. The Jimmy Pritchard Band will be playing from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with The Williams Brothers opening for them. Artist Gaye Adegbalola, founding member of Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women, will be providing the entertainment from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets for both shows are available at nassauvalley.com.
Over in Milton, two musical tributes will be rocking the stage at Milton Theatre. Beatlemania Now!, a popular Beatles tribute band, will be hitting the stage at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday. Then, on Sunday at 7:30 p.m., Dean Ford & the Beautiful Ones will bring their tribute to Prince. Tickets for both shows were low as of Wednesday and can be purchased at www.miltontheatre.com.
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Staying safe at the beach during COVID-19 spike
With rising hospitalizations and positive COVID-19 cases throughout the state, all three counties in Delaware have now reached a high level of community spread, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Delaware Division of Public Health announced this change at the end of July and encouraged people to wear masks in "indoor public settings" to help prevent further spread.
The average of tests coming back positive as of Aug. 9 was 20.4%, according to DPH data, which does not include at-home testing that is not reported to the state. The state reported that 179 people were hospitalized with COVID at that point.
Public health officials remind Delawareans that vaccines are now available for all persons starting at 6 months old, and vaccination is highly effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalizations and death.
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Beyond staying up to date on vaccines, outside activities and get-togethers are still safer than cramming into indoor spaces unmasked, according to DPH.
However, if you do have plans to be indoors or around a lot of people, DPH is suggesting people wear masks, distance as much as possible and keep up a good hand-washing regimen. And if anyone starts to feel sick or knows they were exposed to someone with COVID-19, they should get tested and stay away from others in the meantime.
Here is a roundup of advice to stay vigilant and avoid COVID this summer:
Get vaccinated and boosted when you’re eligible. And don't wait until the fall when the updated vaccines are expected to be available. You will likely still be eligible for those boosters then.
Stay home if sick and get tested if you have symptoms or were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Wear a mask indoors in public and if you are at higher risk for illness.
Stay informed and turn to reliable sources for data, information, and treatment options.
Visit de.gov/coronavirus to schedule free vaccines and/or boosters.
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What to expect at restaurants, beach businesses
After a record-breaking summer in 2021, business owners were bracing for what this season would bring. So far, business owners and chamber of commerce leaders say this summer has been busy: People are booking hotels, buying ice cream and eating out.
Early signs show that travel trends seem to be returning to expected pre-pandemic levels, and multiple hotel managers said d more visitors are spontaneously planning trips to the beach this year, rather than planning a long way out.
With these crowds comes the same but ever-important advice: Have patience, folks.
Some restaurants, bars, and others in the service industry are still facing staffing shortages and limiting their hours to preserve the staff they do have. While some iconic businesses, like Funland in Rehoboth Beach, are getting more help from international students than in the past two years, several other factors are impacting the seasonal labor shortage this year – especially a lack of affordable housing.
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It may be wise to make early reservations, follow your favorite spots on social media or call ahead to stay updated on any changes.
As far as outdoor dining, many beach towns found ways to continue that in the 2022 season, but that popularity may mean you have to wait longer for those coveted patio seats, too.
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Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware beaches: Your guide for fun beach activities, weather, dining
