On a hot summer day the beach would be crowded by midafternoon.

The beach was usually the first stop for those who loved the water.

Although bathing suits were not allowed on the bath house boardwalk,
there was no rule against people wading in the surf in their streetclothes.

The raised boardwalk provided plenty of shade on a hot day.
Notice the ladies sitting in the sand in full dress.

Lifeguards were important beach employees.
A rescue boat fixed onto a slide launch was kept handy in case of emergencies.

Bathers would stop and watch the steamers come into the dock.