East Hampton Holds Off Hiring Lifeguards

The Town of East Hampton began the process of staffing for what is at the moment a summer season of uncertainty.

Many seasonal jobs were filled during the May 7 town board meeting, with one notable exception: lifeguards. A resolution on the agenda to approve the hiring about 65 seasonal lifeguards and their supervisors was tabled.

Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc explained Monday the planning for certain aspects of what promises to be a season unlike any other, for lifeguards in particular.

He said lifeguards may end up helping avoid bottlenecks of beachgoers at entrance and exit points, as well as assisting harbor master officers in other ways. The board approved putting 12 harbor masters on the books for the summer, through September 19. They were scheduled to begin active duty May 11. The board also approved the hiring of 60 East Hampton Volunteer Ocean Rescue team members.

“There are a lot of lingering questions,” Van Scoyoc said.

Safety at beaches is going to be a topic of conversation for the May 12 town board meeting. Until there is a clearer understanding of what the future looks like, Van Scoyoc urges patience and caution.

Permits Required In Southampton

Beach permits for the 2020 summer season in the Town of Southampton will be required beginning May 23 for parking at all town beach parking lots and town and Trustee access roads.

Due to ongoing COVID-19 safety precautions, applications for beach permits will only be accepted by mail and must include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

No daily permits will be sold until further notice. Beach permits purchased last year are valid until June 30. Beach permits will be required 24/7 at all beach recreational facilities and on access roads.

The application is on the town’s website, www.southamptontownny.gov.

As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, the town wants visitors to keep a safe social distance of six feet when visiting any of the beaches.

Playgrounds and skate parks remain closed.

The Town of Southampton Parks Department building remains closed to the public and is operating with a limited staff. If requiring further assistance, call 631-728-8585 Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM and 4 PM.

Riverhead Approves Use Of 2019 Permits

Beginning this month, the Riverhead Police Department will be assigning a police officer or traffic control officer to monitor Iron Pier, South Jamesport, Reeves, and Wading River beaches from noon to 8 PM.

Officers will be posted at the entrances to each park and will allow vehicles entry if a 2019 Town of Riverhead parking permit is affixed to the vehicle. This year’s permits are not currently for sale, but may be in the future. Officers will be monitoring proper social distancing and recommend use of personal protective equipment. Voluntary compliance is the ultimate goal to keep everyone safe and allow the beaches to remain open.

T.E. McMorrow, Desirée Keegan, and Rick Murphy contributed reporting.