The Shark River Inlet acts as a border between the towns of Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea at the Atlantic Ocean.
The inlet provides access to a marina where commercial, charter, and private fishing boats are moored.
The electric powered bridge is lifted several times a day to let boats pass through it.
[5] Swimming in the inlet is not advised due to its dangerous currents and rough waters.
[9] On July 6, 2008 a small four seater plane crashed into a shallow area of water in Shark River.