Beachgoers urged to avoid Indian River Inlet as sand bypass system testing starts

The sand testing will affect the Indian River Inlet starting July 14. (Photo courtesy of DNREC)

Visitors to Delaware Seashore State Park are being warned to steer clear of designated zones around the Indian River Inlet starting Monday as state officials begin testing an upgraded sand bypass system.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced that the mechanical system — designed to mimic the natural flow of sand along the coast — will be tested in multiple phases through early August.

The testing schedule runs Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the following dates: July 14–17, July 21–24, July 28–31, and August 4–6.

During these times, high-pressure pumps will move large volumes of sand from the inlet’s south side, where it tends to accumulate, to the eroding north side.

Officials warn that this creates unstable and hazardous conditions both in the water and on the beach.

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The saturated sand can pose a risk of entrapment, and the adjacent waters may produce dangerous rip currents.

Barriers, signage, and white buoys with orange bands will mark the restricted areas, which remain off-limits even when testing isn’t actively underway.

DNREC staff will be stationed at public access points on both sides of the inlet to guide beachgoers and enforce safety rules.

Violators could face fines ranging from $50 to $250.

The sand bypass system, which had been offline for several years, has recently undergone major upgrades including new pumps and an electric motor.

DNREC officials say the summer testing is critical to ensuring the system is fully functional before it is put into regular operation.

While most of the park’s beaches will remain open, officials urge all visitors to respect posted warnings and avoid the marked zones.

Updates on the project will be shared via DNREC and Delaware Seashore State Park social media channels.

Jarek Rutz

Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.

Jarek can be reached by email at jarek@delawarelive.com or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz and on LinkedIn.