It's an Independence Day weekend at the Jersey Shore unlike any other as thousands flocked to the beach with COVID-19 restrictions still in place.

Big crowds in Belmar kicked off the holiday early Saturday morning.

With social distancing being enforced, Belmar officials say beaches will be closed down if they get too crowded.

Local businesses says beachgoers have been following the rules so far this summer.

Belmar's Business Administrator Ed Kirscenbaum says ownership at D'Jais is prepared to handle the crowds properly this weekend after issues at the popular club a couple weeks back.