Town of Duxbury - Beach Operations - Beach Update - 7/22/2021

DUXBURY BEACH OPERATIONS UPDATE
BEACH UPDATE – 7/22/21

ENDANGERED SPECIES UPDATE – Plovers – As of today’s email we have all nests hatched and some have fledged. Fledged means the chicks can fly 50 yards.  We anticipate this fledging process to be ongoing and hope we will have some positive news as it relates to OSV vehicle access soon. As of today’s date the crossovers remain closed.  Believe me, when I have some news on that front to report you will know RIGHT AWAY.
 

SHARK ACTIVITY – As you may know we had our first Great White sighting last week. I wanted to assure folks that this is not our first year involved with sharks and the protocols we use when we have a sighting. The Recreation Department through our management of the Beach Lifeguards have had protocols for sharks for more than 5 years.  These protocols were developed in conjunction with the Harbormaster after attending seminars conducted by Dr. Greg Skomal, Division of Maine Fisheries, our expert on these creatures.
Briefly, when we have a confirmed shark sighting swimming is not permitted for a period of 2 hours. If we have an unconfirmed sighting, we do not allow swimming for a period of 1 hour. The “clock” re-sets every time there is a new sighting.

Once swimming is allowed to resume it is swim at your own risk. As many of you know it is wise to not swim in or around seals.  For sure, these animals are around our waters and you should be aware of that fact and your surroundings when entering the water. If you have any questions on this topic please ask a Beach Ranger or Beach Lifeguard.
Lastly, in cooperation with DBR, the Harbormaster, Dr. Skomal and Bayside Marine there will be three shark receivers installed east of the beach this season. These devices collect data from previously tagged sharks as they swim near a located receiver. Agencies will use this data to paint a picture of shark behavior in our waters. Knowledge is power, right?
 

BEACH RANGER HELP WANTED – Are you looking to work on the beach? We will soon be experiencing a need for more Beach Rangers as our college age staff migrate back to school. If you want to apply please CLICK HERE to visit the Human Resources website to start the application process.

Hope to see you at the Beach!

Gordon H. Cushing
Recreation Director
Town of Duxbury