Monday was the first day that the Harvard town beach staff began checking stickers of vehicles parking at Bare Hill Pond. But this year, new measures to enforce the residents-only bylaw are in effect. Even those who enter the beach on foot are asked to present identification proving residency. Those who don’t have an ID with them when they enter can ask to have their name looked up by the sticker checker on duty. Hours during which stickers and IDs will be checked have been extended this year and are now 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. to further discourage use by nonresidents.
While the beach is now open, Michelle Lauria of the Parks and Recreation Commission emphasized that the town is not responsible for anyone who enters the water. There are no lifeguards this summer. “This would be the same as if someone goes swimming in the ocean pre-lifeguard season,” she said. “They are 100% responsible for their own safety.” There are currently no plans to hold boating or swimming lessons this summer.
Beach Director Alexandra Luck told the Press she strongly discourages parents from dropping their children off to use the beach unattended. She said that while there is a rope in the water to separate the swimming area from the boating area, there is nothing to indicate the point at which the water gets deep.
The town’s guidelines for beachgoers are the same as those put forth by the state. Rules include keeping at least 6 feet apart at all times, maintaining 12 feet of space between groups sitting on the beach so that people can pass safely between, wearing a face covering when out of the water, limiting groups to 10 or fewer, and abstaining from group games. Additionally, the town asks that people be considerate and avoid confrontation.
If people are unable to follow rules, Lauria said the town will have to shut down the beach and parking lot. “Please be responsible,” she urged residents. “Right now we are allowing people to park at the beach in order to go fishing, in order to have a picnic, in order to use the boat rentals, and I would hate to see anything happen that would jeopardize people being able to park.” Complaints about a lack of social distancing, crowds, misuse of boats, failure to adhere to boating regulations, and abuse of staff are all factors that could lead to the beach being shut down.
The beach currently has a port-a-potty, which is being sanitized hourly by sticker checkers. Beachgoers are asked to please carry out their own trash.
Joan Eliyesil contributed to this story.
