THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE GREATER WILDWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE URGING NJ GOVERNOR MURPHY TO OPEN PUBLIC & BUSINESS SWIMMING POOLS

The Wildwoods is located at the southern end of Cape May County and it is a seasonal, family-friendly destination with many hotel / motel properties, a municipal pool, condominiums and homeowner associations that depend heavily upon the 10-12 weeks of tourism to sustain their livelihoods.

The crisis created by the COVID-19 outbreak has been a hardship on many citizens and businesses in New Jersey, Cape May County and The Wildwoods in particular. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 can spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas or water play areas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says proper maintenance, including disinfection with chlorine and bromine, should inactivate the virus in the water.

All public and private beaches in New Jersey are allowed to operate pursuant to Executive Order 143. There is no Executive Order or Administrative Order that speaks specifically to swimming pools being prohibited. The State of New Jersey has allowed for county and local government to decide how to proceed on short-term rentals. Pool use is closely tied to short-term rentals and it is an amenity that is included in the rental fee. Condominium and homeowner associations are currently unable to use their pools.

The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce receives multiple phone calls daily from potential renters informing the staff that Delaware and surrounding states are fully operational, and they will spend their money where they can enjoy both the beach and the pool. The Board of Directors of the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce believes that The Wildwoods hotel / motel properties, municipal pool, condominiums and homeowner associations can be just as responsible, if not more so, and follow the CDC recommendations with proper maintenance and sanitization. Swimming and other water-related activities are excellent ways to get the physical activity and health benefits needed for a healthy life.

The Board of Directors of the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, County of Cape May, New Jersey, urges the Governor and the legislature of the State of New Jersey to allow public swimming pools to reopen while following all protocols that will ensure the safety of everyone. The Board of Directors of the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, of Cape May County, New Jersey will ensure that a copy of this petition be sent to Governor Philip Murphy, New Jersey State Senator Michael Testa, Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Cape May County Municipalities.