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Rules Ignored at Naples Town Beach

July 29, 2010 - NAPLES -- Selectmen understand Harvey Price Jr.'s frustration about rowdy teenagers abusing the rules at the town beach, but they're not keen on removing the docks as he has suggested. The kids jump and dive and do back flips and use vulgar language in the presence of children. Telling them to stop only makes them more combative, Price said. "They cause a scene around children and that's my big worry," he said. "Over the past few years it just keeps getting worse and worse."


The problem starts right after the swim program ends each day at 2:30 p.m. He's called the police around three times, but the teens begin acting up as soon as no one is around to stop them. The beach has no lifeguard on duty, and is posted "Swim at Own Risk."


The docks are great for parents to sit and watch their kids while they swim, or simply to sunbathe. Most residents respect the rules, which prohibit pets, smoking, drinking, diving, jumping or horseplay. The water level at the docks is too shallow for safe diving or jumping.


The docks were purchased by the town around 10 years ago to serve the swim program. Selectman Rick Paraschak said, "I'd like to see them stay because people do use them the way they're supposed to be used" and "we've got plenty of signage" that clearly outlines the rules. Signage, however, isn't enough to cover the town's liability should someone get injured diving from the docks or in a shoving match involving a crowd of 10 or more kids, which often occurs. "If we're going to have a rule, we need to enforce it," Price said.


Town Manager Derik Goodine agreed to check with the town attorney on liability issues. He agreed with others who said having the docks was a special added feature to the town beach that enhances its attractiveness for residents. When the kids ignore warnings by Price and other recreation staff to obey the rules, "They don't realize it's a privilege, not a right," to be able to swim there, Goodine said.


Selectman Christine Powers said it might be time to create an ordinance to give the rules more clout. The town's Recreation Committee could help Price draft one, she suggested. The board agreed to leave things alone for now, however, and when the kids continue to break the rules, "I guess we just have to call the cops," said Paraschak.


by Gail Geraghty, The Bridgton News, July 29, 2010

Lakes: Long Lake
Regions: Sebago


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