Moves by towns along the Jersey Shore to restrict access to their waters are causing a public backlash.

"I guess they're trying to restrict who can come on the beach and who can't,? says Victor Wexler, of Livingston. ?The higher they charge, the more restrictive they'll be."

Sam Bashan, of New Milford, says the beaches should be open to everyone. But with some towns now charging up to $12 a person to use the beach for the day, he says the shore is becoming more exclusive.

"Instead of something that should be almost free entertainment, it becomes a hassle just to go to the beach," says Bashan.

The ongoing debate pits public versus private and is causing a strain between residents and officials. Longtime Long Branch resident Gina Marie Tischio sides with the towns? private interests. She says the restrictions help keep away those who behave with disregard for the beaches.

"If you're not going to charge people, then sometimes you get people out there who don't care about the beaches, and just let things go, and take advantage of it," she says.