Following a weekend of holiday celebrations, Swampscott officials are concerned about the trash left on the beaches.
“Over the last two weekends, our DPW crews and residents have had to spend time cleaning up large amounts of litter left behind at our beaches,” the Swampscott Recreation Department posted to Facebook. “While we appreciate their hard work, this should not be happening.”
The Swampscott Recreation Department posted a video showing a trash-laden stretch of beach following Memorial Day weekend. The video was reposted by groups including the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and the Swampscott Police Department, which said “this type of behavior and its aftermath will not be tolerated.”
“Please remember to clean up after yourselves and help us protect the coastline we all love,” the Swampscott Recreation Department posted. Carry in, carry out. Use the trash barrels provided. Respect the beach, wildlife, neighbors, and fellow visitors.”
Emily Westhoven, the chair of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, said she will raise the issue at the committee’s next meeting. The committee also shared the post on its Facebook page.
“This amount of trash, which appears to have been intentionally left behind on the beach, is not only unusual and appalling, but also inexcusable and against the law!” Westhoven told the Swampscott Tides. “I hope these were isolated incidents that will not be repeated during the upcoming busier summer season.”
Because Swampscott falls under Massachusetts state litter statutes, penalties scale based on the severity and location of the infraction. Legislation before the State Senate would increase penalties for littering, specifically in public spaces and near waterways. The proposed bill, sponsored by State Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-1st Plymouth and Norfolk), would impose fines of up to $5,800 for a first littering offense in or near coastal or inland waters. Any subsequent offenses will carry fines up to $18,750.
Currently, criminal littering penalties range from $5,500 to $15,000, while civil fines range from $20 to $100.
“I’m all in for kids/young adults having fun and enjoying town beaches,” Director of the Department of Public Works Gino Cresta told the Swampscott Tides. “However, I don’t think it’s asking too much to have them collect the trash and leave the bags at the entrance to the beach for the DPW to pick up.”
Swampscott beaches are open for the season. During the summer, Swampscott residents are able to enjoy the town’s six beaches:
- Eisman’s/New Ocean Beach: Open for swimming, lifeguards on duty seven days a week from late-June through mid-August from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Fisherman’s Beach: Boating and swimming, lifeguard on duty weekends only from late-June through mid-August from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- King’s Beach: Public beach, swimming and no boating, no lifeguard on duty
- Phillips’ Beach: Swimming, lifeguard on duty seven days a week from late-June through mid-August from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Preston Beach: Swimming, no lifeguard on duty
- Whales Beach: Swimming, no lifeguard on duty
Beach parking stickers are required for:
- Preston Beach: Northbound side of Atlantic Avenue to the Marblehead line
- Phillips Beach: Ocean side of Ocean Avenue, between posted signs
- Whales / Eisman’s / New Ocean House: Parking lot next to the Phillips Park football field
- Fisherman’s Beach: Parking lot adjacent to the Fish House
- Recreation Parking: One side of Columbia Street next to the railroad station
“Let’s all do our part to keep Swampscott clean, safe, and beautiful this summer,” the Recreation Department posted
