Ocean City Officials Urged to Place ‘Beach Umbrella Warning’ Signs at Beach Entrances

Ed Quigley, a survivor of a serious beach umbrella accident, is using a tragic experience to raise awareness about the dangers of windblown beach umbrellas. 

In 2015, Quigley was seriously injured after a windblown umbrella impaled his left eye and penetrated his brain cavity while vacationing with his family in Bethany Beach, Delaware. On Thursday, March 13, Quigley appeared at an Ocean City council meeting to urge officials to place "Beach Umbrella Warning" signs at the entrances to the beach.

According to Ocean City spokesperson Doug Bergen, the city doesn't have umbrella warning signs on its beaches but said it would be something the city would consider implementing to enhance public safety.

While Ocean City has an ordinance limiting the size of beach canopies and umbrellas, it doesn't have an ordinance governing their placement.

At the council meeting, Quigley said that the previous guidance on setting up beach umbrellas from the Consumer Product Safety Commission has proven to be ineffective. This guidance previously directed, “Take your beach umbrella, stab it into the sand, rock it back and forth, and tilt it into the wind,” Quigley explained in comments shared by OCNJDaily. He added that thousands of people are injured from windblown beach umbrellas each year.

To raise public awareness about beach umbrella safety, Quigley created a website that offers essential safety tips:

What a beautiful part of the Garden State. There are many terrific beach hotels in Cape May, New Jersey that you should stay at. We combed through many Google reviews so you don't have to.

So many of the hotels in Cape May are rooted in the peninsula's deep Victorian-era history. They are lavishly decorated and beautifully colored. The rainbow hues of the buildings in the entirety of Cape May really add to the entire positive experience of being there.

Cape May distinguishes itself from other New Jersey shore towns in so many ways. They have immaculate beaches, a gorgeous promenade of shops rather than a boardwalk, and beautiful views. Plus, for those of you who love something a bit spooky, it is rumored that the town is haunted! While it has many features other beach towns offer, none have the rich history Cape May boasts. So many original structures remain from all the way back to the 19th century. It truly is a gorgeous place to visit.

And, they have some gorgeous hotels to back that up. One hotel even dates back to 1816. That is how deeply engrained history is in this town. You have to make it a stay when you venture to this place. There's so much to do and see, you'll need a place to rest your head that's on par with Cape May's beauty.

La Mer Beachfront Resort has been around for over 50 years. But, the hotel is anything but outdated. Its modern amenities are sure to draw any guest in. This place is literally award-winning. And they don't lie about being "beachfront." They're right next to the ocean.

The Mason Cottage is a charming, quaint place to stay. No, it's not RIGHT on the water, but if you want to be enchanted by the historical side of Cape May, this is the place for you. You're almost transported to an older world when you walk through the doors. You get every modern amenity you'd want in a place that looks fit for royalty.

Angel Of The Sea is an elegant bed and breakfast in Cape May. With its ocean-view wraparound porch and lush detailing, the Angel of the Sea is Victorian Cape May's most romantic bed & breakfast. It's located one-half block from the beach in the quiet East end of town. So much is included in your stay, including afternoon tea, you almost have to stay there.

The Queen Victoria Bed & Breakfast really does make you feel like royalty. Hence its name. This place oozes luxury. Just one block from the beach, this hotel will ensure you have a unique stay. Enjoy the uniqueness of three restored 1880s homes as well as an 1876 gambling parlor. There are gorgeous porches and comfortable parlors with fireplaces.

Grand Hotel Of Cape May is also right on the beach. Literally steps away. They also boast indoor and outdoor heated pools and a great restaurant and lounge. The sundeck is a great place to lay and watch the ocean (and the people walking by) as you relax. The hotel is as grand as its name suggests.

Now this place is teeming with history. Starting in 1816, Congress Hall has been providing guests with American classic hospitality and old-world charm. It's a huge property sitting just a short walk from the beach. The place has been updated over the years and now includes modern amenities such as a spa and three restuarants.

Yes, the Periwinkle Inn is bright purple-y pink. This hotel is literally, and I mean literally, steps from the beach. It features a really nice pool and activity area. Plus, the staff are very friendly and accommodating. The rooms are modern and updated nicely as well.