Lake & Beach News Update

Lake & Beach News Update

HCL will be allowed to officially open High Crest Lake beach soon, however due to Covid 19 it will be AFTER Memorial Day weekend and WITH a lot of restrictions per the NJ Governor new Executive Order #143. Some of the restrictions include (but are not limited to) NOT allowing swim team competition or swim lessons. It is possible however, this law may change later in the season.

Since everything has started later this year (including obtaining the Bathing Recreational Beach Health license from the WM Health Inspector’s visit prior to the season, which list this year includes a lot of new beach do’s and don’ts per the Executive Order), it is uncertain of the exact date we will be allowed to open. HCL members will be kept updated and informed. Dealing with Covid 19 these last few months has been – and continues to be – a challenging time for everyone. It is essential that we do everything we can to protect the health and safety of HCL members.

The Recreational Beach Operating Health License will now have to include a Social Distancing plan. Up until this week the Township of West Milford was not accepting applications for the beach license until further notice due to Governor Murphy’s original Executive Order 107– banning all recreational facilities from operating – this action has delayed the application process by several weeks (the application is usually submitted in April).

Here are some highlights of Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 143 pertaining to Beach Restrictions that will have to be followed at the HCL beach under Executive order:
143 #2 a. b. c. and d. – Water Fountains, Picnic areas, Playgrounds, and Pavilions that are by the beach have been ordered closed by Governor Murphy and will be taped off.
This would include the Grove area and Playground by the beach.
Under Executive order:
143 #3 – d. Remove or tape off or block access to benches and tables and chairs to discourage gatherings.
143 #3 – h. Prohibit all organized sports at the Beach.

The lodge will continue to be closed including the bathroom – to prevent the spread of Covid 19.

As soon as HCL is granted a Bathing Recreational Beach License that adheres to all of the additional social distancing rules an announcement will be made to all HCL Members.

ALSO: It is important to note that this weekend we are likely to see several non-members attempt to use the lake and beach. These are mostly people that do not live at the lake. Please be sure to use your badges and parking passes so that it is easy to identify who needs to be told that our lake is open to members only.