The meeting began with a detailed account of a Saturday incident where five jet skiers ventured dangerously close to swimmers at Cherry and Webb Beach. Lifeguards attempted to signal the jet skiers to retreat, but were met with “obscene gestures.” The harbor master and police intervened, promptly issuing citations to the offenders. This incident sparked a broader conversation about the enforcement of safety guidelines, which require jet skiers to maintain a safe distance from the shore. The committee discussed potential measures such as installing buoys to better define swim zones, recalling similar past issues. Lifeguards emphasized their role in adhering to existing safety protocols but acknowledged their limited capacity to create new policies.

In addition to the jet skier incident, lifeguards reported on a medical emergency involving a young girl who injured her ankle while skimboarding. The lifeguard team followed their response protocol by stabilizing the injury and coordinating with emergency medical services for her transport to St. Luke’s Hospital. Despite their training limitations, the lifeguards demonstrated preparedness in handling such emergencies.

Another topic was the chaotic scene on East Beach during the Fourth of July celebrations. Participants expressed frustration over the significant debris left behind, including spent fireworks and other litter, which was described as “truckloads” of waste. The situation was reportedly worse than in previous years, with large crowds contributing to unsafe conditions. Attendees were concerned about the dangers posed by illegal fireworks, especially near traffic, and the lack of enforcement in preventing such activities.

Suggestions to improve safety and cleanliness included closing East Beach earlier on July 4th, potentially at 7:00 PM, to allow for a controlled exit of beachgoers. The idea of using Jersey barriers to block off the area and prevent parking and gathering was raised, particularly on the public beach side. The need for increased police presence during peak times was emphasized to deter fireworks use and manage overcrowding. Participants acknowledged the current strain on police resources but stressed the necessity for immediate action to address these issues.

The committee also discussed the enforcement of beach closing times, noting that current signage indicating an 8:00 PM gate closure might be insufficient. There were repeated offenders who failed to leave on time. Improved signage, including a police contact number for those locked in, was recommended. The feasibility of installing an automatic gate was considered, though concerns about vandalism were noted. A proposal to evaluate the gate situation after the summer season was suggested to gather more detailed proposals.

Attention then turned to the condition and security of the lifeguard truck, which was parked in a poorly lit area, leaving it vulnerable to tampering. A recommendation was made to relocate the truck to a better-lit spot in the Kitty Beach parking lot for added security.

The meeting also touched upon accessibility issues at the beach. The Westport Disability Commission had proposed acquiring beach mats to improve access from the port-a-gon at Cherry Webb Beach to the entrance. The deeper sand was reportedly uncomfortable for some individuals. While funding for this initiative was uncertain, the committee considered the possibility of utilizing resources from the Disability Commission, acknowledging the cost considerations and previous grants that had supported similar projects.

In terms of maintaining the beach, a suggestion was made for lifeguards to engage in tasks like trash collection during rainy days when the beach was less populated. A policy was discussed regarding who has the authority to allow beachgoers to exit the parking lot, with a consensus that only police should manage such situations to prevent complications, particularly if a citation was warranted.