Poll: Sandy Will Not Ruin Summer Shore Plans

A new Rutgers-Eagleton Poll says that in spite of the damage wrought by Superstorm Sandy, more than three-quarters of regular shore-goers still plan to be on the beach this summer.

The results of the poll show that 64 percent of visitors will spend just as much time as past summers "down the shore" and 13 percent actually plan to spend longer this summer.

"The summer tourist season seems surprisingly stable," David Redlawsk, director of the Rutgers-Eagleton Poll, said in a statement. "Even those cutting back are still more likely to visit than to stay away entirely."

Only 20 percent of normal vacationers are planning shorter stays and only two-thirds of them say that Sandy is the reason, according to the findings. Those personally affected by the storm are nearly twice as likely to spend less time at the beach this summer, but according to the survey, the number of people making shorter visits will most likely be offset by the people who are planning to stay longer.

Slightly less than 60 percent of New Jersey residents go to the shore each summer, with 8 percent staying all summer long. The most popular shore destinations are Atlantic City, which most appeals to city-dwellers and senior citizens; and Seaside Heights, which is most popular with people under the age of 30.

"The lure of the Jersey Shore is strong," Redlawsk said, "and most respondents do not plan to let the storm interfere with their regular summer vacation beach routines."

To see the full results of the Rutgers-Eagleton Poll, visit the blog.