York Town News
Officials agree off-season is perfect time for closer look at surfing zone
By Jennifer L. Saunders
With the busy summer season at an end, a kite-surfer enjoys the waves at Long Sands Beach. Surfing in general is expected to be a topic of discussion in the months ahead as the town looks at ways to solve concerns regarding the size of the surfing zone and swimmer safety on Long Sands Beach.
Photo courtesy of Todd Hill
YORK BEACH - In the wake of outcries by surfers and swimmers in recent weeks, local officials have said they agree the months ahead are the right time to work to allay surfing woes along Long Sands Beach.
In recent weeks, two local teens were summonsed as a result of surf zone violations, creating a literal wave of questions from surfers and community members alike on enforcement protocol and whether the size of the surfing area on Long Sands Beach is adequate.
Cam Dillon, 18, was charged with criminal trespassing, but that charge is now being examined by the York Police Department with the York County District Attorney's Office, according to police.
A juvenile was also charged with infractions following what began with surfers violating the posted surf zone on Long Sands Beach.
Last week, Police Chief Douglas Bracy discussed recent concerns voiced by surfers and lifeguards, and explained that the York Police Department is called to the beach in instances where lifeguards feel additional authority is needed.
"I don't think it's the surfing population in general; it's a small segment of it," Bracy said. "The lifeguards don't call us unless they're being given a hard time. Unfortunately, it ends up taking a lot of both of our staffs to handle a very few people."
He also acknowledged excellent surfing conditions as playing a part in the recent confrontation, especially after a summer of virtually swell-free waters.
Bracy said the York Police Department is not against surfing by any means, and he would welcome working with the town and the surfers on improvements to the ordinance that governs surfing on York's beaches. In fact, he said, years ago, that is exactly how the current ordinance came to be.
"Now we've got some time to look at it. It's definitely on the radar screen," Bracy said.
He pointed out such possible options as moving the zone, increasing the size or coming up with a better design to serve surfers and swimmers alike.
"We're definitely not anti-surfing," Bracy said. "This is a democratic society; if you want to fight for changes, why not do it? We've tried to work this ordinance to be as generous as we can with the resources we have. (People should) use the democratic process to do this, but understand there's a reason for the enforcement."
That reason, Bracy said, is safety.
"I think that's something that really needs to be looked at," he said, adding, "We want to make sure the boundaries are easily noticeable."
Bracy said he also hopes to work with some of the town's more mature, regular surfers to help those who consider willfully defying lifeguards or the ordinance to understand that - similar to this past year's dogs-on-the-beach discussions - if enough people are offended by any group's or individual's actions, their privileges can be revoked.
Questions about the current surf zone first came to the surface earlier this summer, as Selectman Torbert Macdonald Jr. raised concerns about the treatment of surfers on the beach during a board meeting.
Since that time, Bracy said he has welcomed the chance to meet with the selectmen and look toward making improvements before next summer's busy season.
Selectmen Chairman David Marshall said last week that he believes that is just what will happen in the months ahead.
"It is such a reasonable thing for this to be reviewed this year by the board, so perhaps next summer there is a better environment at the beach for surfers and lifeguards," Marshall said. "I would fully expect (Town Manager) Rob Yandow to harness the energy and experience of (Parks and Recreation Director) Mike Sullivan and Doug Bracy and make a proposal to the board."
There was no discussion of the surfing issue at the board's Sept. 11 meeting.
