To Anthony DeFranco, the bay beach in Barnegat Township isn’t just a place to bask in the sun or take a dip in the water. It actually serves as one of the Barnegat resident’s classrooms.

Several days a week, DeFranco uses the summer venue to teach American Sign Language. ASL, expressed by movements of the hands and face, is the primary language of many North Americans who are deaf or hard of hearing. It’s used by some hearing people as well.

“My classes are open to all ages, and I usually get up to about five to 10 students per class,” he said.