SUN: Ocean City may toughen canopy penalties after pilot

MARYLAND — Ocean City officials say their new canopy-enforcement pilot is working, with more warnings, fewer complaints and almost no repeat offenders — but if the program continues, they may back tougher penalties for visitors who keep breaking the rules.

Mayor Rick Meehan said officials will weigh compliance, complaints, lifeguard operations, citations and cost when deciding the program’s future. He also left the door open to tougher consequences if the program is renewed and visitors have had more time to learn the rules.

“Going forward, I would support a more aggressive enforcement effort when necessary, in particular for repeat offenders,” Meehan said.

The six-member team began patrolling the resort’s 10-mile shoreline around Memorial Day, taking over enforcement duties that had largely fallen to Beach Patrol personnel, allowing lifeguards and supervisors to focus on swimmers. The team is scheduled to work through Labor Day, after which the City Council is expected to decide whether to continue the program.

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