Despite smoky skies, Jersey Shore visitors make the most of their beach days

SEA ISLE CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- A code red air quality alert hung over the Jersey Shore on Thursday, shrouding views and leaving some visitors feeling the effects, even as conditions gradually improved throughout the day.

From the beach in Sea Isle City, the normally visible Atlantic City skyline disappeared behind the haze. Some beachgoers said they noticed the air quality as soon as they stepped outside.

"We went outside this morning and had breakfast at Sunset Pier, and I feel like halfway through our pancakes I'm like, I can start to feel it in my throat," said Erin Sakelaridos of Lehigh Valley.

Despite the smoky shoreline, many visitors said they weren't willing to give up their limited summer beach days.

"It didn't stop us from coming down; we'd rather be here than not," said Bryan Dienna of Langhorne.

"We've been here every single day and loving every minute," said Kate Artingstall of Lewes.

While the air quality problems at the shore haven't been as severe as in Philadelphia, the conditions have been noticeable.

"We did get to see a sunset on Tuesday, and then the past couple of days it's been gradually getting hazier and hazier," she said.

Even younger visitors were aware of the cause.

"It looks like a little hazy, but I don't smell the fire," said 6-year-old Cameron Fantini of Levittown. When asked if he knew where the haze came from, he replied, "It's from the fire in Canada!"

For the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol, Chief Renny Steele said it was business as usual, though some athletes noticed the difference during their training.

"Some of our athletes this morning, especially our runners training doing like a 10-mile run or whatever, they said they did notice the air quality wasn't what it normally is along the coast here. They're not concerned, but they did notice a difference," he said.

Others opted to stay indoors, heading to arcades and movie theaters instead of the sand.

Ryan Kiska, who owns the Boardwalk Casino arcade on the Sea Isle promenade, said some customers arrived from Philadelphia seeking clearer air.

"I've had some customers coming in from the Philly area just because they're seeking refuge from apparently the smoke is pretty thick there," he said.

Sakelaridos said her group has been adjusting their plans.

"So it's been a little bit disappointing that we had like three less beach days than we were hoping to, but we're trying to make the best of it by doing some indoor things like going to the arcade. We went to see Moana yesterday," she said.

As haze continues to drift along the coast, visitors and businesses are finding ways to adapt, determined to make the most of their time at the shore.