Families enjoy Labor Day weekend down the shore

NORTH WILDWOOD, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Beach patrol officials in North Wildwood are urging caution as Labor Day weekend crowds pack the shoreline amid a rip current advisory and reduced lifeguard staffing.

"We're at 50% of our staff, so where we're normally every block, we're every other block," said Chief Bill Viavarelli of the North Wildwood Beach Patrol. "So we're trying to keep people a little tighter, a little closer to the lifeguards, which is what we always asked."

The holiday weekend drew large crowds to the beach, despite recent erosion caused by Hurricane Erin. The storm forced the city to change directions of a beach access ramp in front of the lifeguard center.

"With the hurricane and the extremely high tides and the water conditions, we lost this walkway, but we were able to create a new one," Viavarelli said.

Families appeared unfazed by the changes, enjoying ice cream, building sandcastles, and soaking up the final days of summer.

"School started last week, so let the kids have one more great last weekend of fun and it's back to business," said Greg Jordan of Chester County.

Boardwalk businesses also saw steady traffic, though some are ready for the seasonal slowdown.

"For the employees, summer's over," said Anthony Zuccarello, owner of Sam's Pizza. He added that the business had one of its busiest summers ever and is prepared to welcome visitors through the fall.

Mayor Ernie Troiano of Wildwood noted the continued popularity of the area.

"Crowds are very good. I was talking to a lot of the hotels here and they're all full. Everybody is full and as you can see around the neighborhood, there's not a place to park," Troiano said.

Visitors spent the day enjoying the island's iconic attractions and reflecting on the end of the season.

"It's sad. I can't believe it's Labor Day weekend," said Katelyn Wolf of Havertown.

Events in the Wildwoods continue into September, including an air show scheduled for next weekend.