For Immediate Release

Tuesday, April 30, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email:john@jgpr.net

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 978-769-5193
Email: jessica@jgpr.net

Ipswich Police Offer Beach Safety Tips

IPSWICH –  Chief Paul Nikas would like to remind residents who plan to hit the beach for the Fourth of July weekend to please take appropriate safety precautions.

“Our only wish for all residents and visitors is that they have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!” Chief Nikas said.

First and foremost, the Ipswich Police Department urges beach goers to be cognizant of sudden changes in the weather. Last summer two women died after they were struck by lightening leaving Crane Beach during a sudden storm.

“The death of those two women was a true tragedy for our community,” Chief Nikas said. “We urge everyone to be aware of the forecast, and the moment the weather begins to turn, please vacate the beach. Even if you are not in the water, it is dangerous to be at the beach during a thunderstorm.”

The Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs estimates that on average, 58 people a year are killed by lightning strikes. Many of these fatalities are due to the victims being in a flat and open landscape exposed to the elements.

Chief Nikas also reminds citizens to:

• Remain in areas where there is a lifeguard, who will be able to quickly respond if there is an emergency or call for distress.
• Stay calm if you are caught in a rip current and don’t fight the pull of the ocean. Call for help immediately.
• Always keep an eye on children, especially when they are in or by the water
• Secure important belongings such as umbrellas, chairs and coolers. Anything left near the shoreline will likely be swept away by the tide.
• Keep off the dunes and out of any protected areas of the beach. According to the Coastal Change Foundation, dunes have been known to collapse periodically and could potentially to harm or kill those on them.
• Drink plenty of water and reapply sunscreen every two hours to avoid dehydration or sun stroke.

Per Massachusetts regulation, Ipswich’s Police Marine Unit reminds boaters to please remember to:

• Never operate your vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs and always wear a life jacket.
• Be aware of weather conditions, boat traffic and other hazards on the water. When inland, driving at a speed greater than 45 MPH is considered negligent operation.
• Remain 150 feet away from public or private swimming areas.
• Have properly working lights if you’re out at night.
• Keep passengers off a boat’s bow, gunwales, or any other place where there may be a chance of falling overboard.

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