Lifeguards in Delaware have a lot of responsibilities, and COVID-19 is adding another layer to the risk they face on each beach day. Delaware News Journal

Heading to the Delaware beaches this weekend?

Here's what you need to know if you're planning on dipping your toes in the sand the weekend of June 26-28 and what the beaches look like in phase two of Gov. John Carney's reopening plan.

Delaware's beach towns are open to the public, but government and public health officials warn that everyone's help is neededto curb the spread of COVID-19.

Social distancing is encouraged in all public spaces, and people should maintain at least 6 feet of distance from people who are not members of their immediate household.

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As for face masks, they are still required on the boardwalk, in public spaces where social distancing is difficultand inside businesses that are open.

Face masks are recommended, but not required, on the beaches themselves, but social distancing is a requirementon the beach.

Swimming is permitted.Make sure to check in with the local lifeguards before you dive in to learn about any potential hazards in the water or on the sand.

Previous bans on out-of-state travelers and short-term rentalswerelifted in early June. Delaware's reopening plan saysleisure travel "should be avoided" at this time, but it's allowed if people and businesses can adhere to social-distancing-related recommendations, according to the state.

Hotels and other accommodations also are now accepting reservations for vacation stays, although there may be limits and restrictions in gathering areas like lobbies.

Delaware's daily DART beach bus service will move into more frequent operations starting on Monday, June 29. But this weekend people can still take advantage of the Park & Ride options in Lewes and Rehoboth to avoid heavy beach traffic south of Lewes. Face coverings are required on public transportation.

The Lewes Park & Ride is at 17616 Coastal Highway, just south of Five Points and the Rehoboth Park & Ride is off Route 1 at 20055 Shuttle Road, just north of the entrance to Rehoboth Avenue. Parking is free at both lots. Cash-only fare due on boarding for aone-way trip is $2 and an all-day daily pass is $4.20. Seven-daypasses also are available for $18 and a 30-day pass costs$65. For more information, go towww.dartfirststate.com/information/programs/beachbus/index.shtml#parkride.

DART's beach connection, which runs from Wilmington to Rehoboth Beach on weekends and holidays, does not start until Friday, July 3.

Delaware is in its second phase of reopening businesses previously restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As of June 15, businesses that were operating at 30% of fire occupancy requirements canincrease capacity to 60%, not including staff.

That means restaurants and bars can increase capacity to 60% of what's allowed by the fire marshal, but must still adhere to social distancing guidelines. Some have increased outdoor seating to try to accommodate more diners.

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As of June 22, that 60% capacity cap also applies to personal care services (such as hair and nail salons, tanning, tattoo, massage therapy services and spas)that were previously required to keep occupancy at 30%. The state is also allowing sports tournaments to resume, as of June 20, pending the approval of submitted safety plans and other requirements.

People are encouraged to call ahead for reservations, and to check on any changes in normal operating hours or other restrictions.

No announcements have been made when Delaware will enter phase three of the state's rolling reopening plan. For more details on the state's plan, go togovernor.delaware.gov/delawares-recovery.

Moving toward normalcy means that summer parking fees are also back in place. Parking permits or metered parking is in effect in all of Delaware's beach towns from Lewes to Fenwick Island.

In Rehoboth Beach, there are a few areas within the first two blocks along Rehoboth Avenue closest to the beach and boardwalk that have barricades set up so that restaurants can have expanded outdoor seating. Parking is not permitted in those areas.

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In Lewes, city officials are supporting businesses by offering free downtown parking from 9 a.m. to noon for shoppers.

Each town has different rules and rates for parking. For more information, visit an individual beach town's website or call Town Hall in the beach town you plan to visit before arriving.

Below are links to each oceanfront beach town's parking policies:

This weekend could be a picture-perfect beach weekend, with the exception of Sunday. Forecasts can change as the weekend gets closer.

The National Weather Service forecast for Saturday, June 27, inRehoboth Beach is for a mostly sunny day with a high near 87degrees.

Sunday will be partly sunny with a high near 81degrees, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. There's a 30% chance of rain during the day and into the night.

Water temperatures off the coast of Lewes are reaching the low 70s this week, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Contact reporter Maddy Lauria at (302) 345-0608,mlauria@delawareonline.com or on Twitter @MaddyinMilford.

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Heading to the Delaware beaches this weekend? Here are some helpful tips for your trip - The News Journal