Beachgoers in Ocean County say they are disappointed and angry that Jenkinson’s has shut down beach access for the year.

A sign at the beach states that the beach is closed for swimming.

Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Paul Kanitra says that the decision was not made by him or his administration, but by Jenkinson’s, which owns most of the beach in Point Pleasant Beach.

“I have just been informed that as an apparent result of a drowning in the off-season, and a subsequent lawsuit, Jenkinson’s has made the very unfortunate decision to close all of their beaches and all of their access points,” the mayor wrote on Facebook.

Many residents in the area say they are disappointed since this is the time known to most as “local summer” since most tourists stay away.

Kanitra says that Point Pleasant Beach only owns the Maryland Avenue Beach. He says this beach is open for swimming.