As a former lifeguard for the Northside Dennis Beaches from 2003-2006 and lifetime resident, I am honestly appalled at the current state of affairs on these beaches. I have going to these beaches since the year I was born. The beaches are becoming overcrowded, loud, dangerous and unenjoyable. Several issues contribute to the transformation of the Dennis beaches in past years. These include excessive drop-offs of large parties on the beach, increased parking on side streets nearby the beaches, abuse of alcohol on the beach, and noise-related issues. These issues are tied to other issues such as increased traffic near the beaches and public safety issues. This letter addresses these immediate issues and the reason behind my complaints. Additionally I will provide some suggestions for how to combat these problems in a very simple and financially responsible manner.
Dropoffs:
Northside “Resident-only” beach entrances have signs stating “no standing at any time”- which clearly implies NO DROPOFFS- are allowed. Signs stating No Dropoffs were present in the past, but unfortunately have been removed. Gate Attendants are not enforcing the no-standing or parking regulation at all. Furthermore, entrances to resident only beaches are meant to be utilized by residents ONLY. For example, at Bayview Beach vans from hotels and school busses unloading large groups right at the boardwalk. These people are clearly NON-RESIDENTS and should not be allowed to access the beach via these pathways. Allowing non residents access defeats the purpose of having a residents-only section of the beach. The addition of these large groups creates severe overcrowding to the point where after 9am on any weekend day there is not a single place to put down ones towel.
Several issues need to be addressed to tackle this problem. Firstly, the signage indicating specific beaches/entrances are residents only should be increased and put in more prominent locations. Secondly, hotels should only be allowed to send vans to the major beaches and should be barred access from resident only entrances on Dennis beaches. Thirdly, Gate Attendants should not only be responsible for monitoring parking but should also be regulating such drop-offs. It is inexcusable that these attendants are sitting in their chairs reading books when such regulations are clearly being violated right in front of their face.
Alcohol:
People are drawn to the Northside beaches because they are safe for families. The increase in drinking on the beach is making the beach unsafe. I have seen multiple instances where parents are sitting on the beach with their backs turned to the water drinking beers while their young children are swimming in the water. I have even witnessed parents balancing beers on their children’s boogie boards while wading in the water. This type of behavior creates and dangerous environment for all beach goers.
Loud Music:
Loud music is another major problem on the Dennis beaches. People are being disrespectful of others and blasting loud music, sports games, and other events using large boombox style radios. This behavior is often linked to large groups of partying kids. .
In Summary
The majority of these issues have regulations in place that, if sufficiently enforced, would eliminate the current problems. Slight changes in others, such as the price of parking tickets, would help decrease major traffic. Bringing back “booze control” as described above would solve both issues of excess noise and alcohol on the beach. Increasing parking ticket prices would help deter traffic. Creating a safe environment on the beaches should be a priority for the town. I am disgusted that some of these practices have fallen by the wayside. In summary, making simple changes in regulations and enforcing others more strictly could preserve the charm of Dennis Beaches. I urge the town to listen to concerns of residents like myself and make active changes to safeguard the degradation of Dennis Beaches.
Dropoffs:
Northside “Resident-only” beach entrances have signs stating “no standing at any time”- which clearly implies NO DROPOFFS- are allowed. Signs stating No Dropoffs were present in the past, but unfortunately have been removed. Gate Attendants are not enforcing the no-standing or parking regulation at all. Furthermore, entrances to resident only beaches are meant to be utilized by residents ONLY. For example, at Bayview Beach vans from hotels and school busses unloading large groups right at the boardwalk. These people are clearly NON-RESIDENTS and should not be allowed to access the beach via these pathways. Allowing non residents access defeats the purpose of having a residents-only section of the beach. The addition of these large groups creates severe overcrowding to the point where after 9am on any weekend day there is not a single place to put down ones towel.
Several issues need to be addressed to tackle this problem. Firstly, the signage indicating specific beaches/entrances are residents only should be increased and put in more prominent locations. Secondly, hotels should only be allowed to send vans to the major beaches and should be barred access from resident only entrances on Dennis beaches. Thirdly, Gate Attendants should not only be responsible for monitoring parking but should also be regulating such drop-offs. It is inexcusable that these attendants are sitting in their chairs reading books when such regulations are clearly being violated right in front of their face.
Alcohol:
People are drawn to the Northside beaches because they are safe for families. The increase in drinking on the beach is making the beach unsafe. I have seen multiple instances where parents are sitting on the beach with their backs turned to the water drinking beers while their young children are swimming in the water. I have even witnessed parents balancing beers on their children’s boogie boards while wading in the water. This type of behavior creates and dangerous environment for all beach goers.
Loud Music:
Loud music is another major problem on the Dennis beaches. People are being disrespectful of others and blasting loud music, sports games, and other events using large boombox style radios. This behavior is often linked to large groups of partying kids. .
In Summary
The majority of these issues have regulations in place that, if sufficiently enforced, would eliminate the current problems. Slight changes in others, such as the price of parking tickets, would help decrease major traffic. Bringing back “booze control” as described above would solve both issues of excess noise and alcohol on the beach. Increasing parking ticket prices would help deter traffic. Creating a safe environment on the beaches should be a priority for the town. I am disgusted that some of these practices have fallen by the wayside. In summary, making simple changes in regulations and enforcing others more strictly could preserve the charm of Dennis Beaches. I urge the town to listen to concerns of residents like myself and make active changes to safeguard the degradation of Dennis Beaches.
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