SOUTHWICK – Summer will kick-off in Southwick Friday when the Town Beach opens for the season.
The Parks and Recreation Commission had concerns that the opening could be delayed or they would have to open without lifeguards but Commissioner Daniel Call said the beach will open with a full lifeguard staff.
“We have always had lifeguards and we have them again this year,” said Call.
Just a few weeks ago commissioners were worried because there were no applicants for the lifeguard positions. Call said attention to the subject from The Westfield News helped bring in applicants.
“We have a staff of four lifeguards and will have two lifeguards per shift,” said Call. “We have orientation today then they will help us get the beach ready for tomorrow.”
The snack shack is stocked with food and supplies, the facilities clean, and everyone is anticipating a good day for the opening.
“It looks like it will be a gorgeous day,” said Call, noting that the beach does close for inclement weather.
When there were no lifeguards, the commission considered opening without them and having visitors swim at their own risk. Massachusetts does allow for this option, but Call said it was not the preferred option.
“That’s not how we wanted to do it and it’s not how Southwick wanted to do it,” said Call. “We want visitors to be as safe as possible and we didn’t want to risk injury or a fatality.”
“I think we would have run into issues and we wanted to operate at the safe level we always have,” Call said.
Call also noted that the gatekeeper to the beach has a new post and a building to sit in while watching the entrance to the beach, located at 14 Beach Road.
The hours of operation are: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Life guards on duty at all times. Minors need to be accompanied by an adult at all times. Fees are as follows:Town Resident, $2.00; Out of Town, $3.00; Out of State, $3.00; Seniors 62+ are free; Children 2 and under are free; Active Military are also free.
Visit the Snack Shack for a hamburg, hotdog & ice cream. Food prices range from $1.00 – $2.50. Any questions contact the Beach telephone 569-1213.
