Cape Beaches To Have Fewer Life Guards This Summer

BARNSTABLE, MA — Beaches across Cape Cod have already reopened, but according to the Cape Cod National Seashore, beachgoers should expect to see some changes amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The biggest of those changes is that there will be fewer lifeguards on duty at outer Cape beaches.

"Due to the seashore’s health precautions during COVID-19, there is not enough housing to allow for proper social distancing protocols for seasonal staff," Seashore officials said in a statement. "Therefore, fewer lifeguards will staff the beaches this summer."

Two outer Cape beaches will not have life guards this summer: Herring Cover Beach in Provincetown and Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro. Cape Cod National Seashore beaches with lifeguards include Coast Guard and Nauset Light beaches in Eastham, Marconi Beach in Wellfleet and Race Point Beach in Provincetown. Lifeguards will be on duty from July 2 through Labor Day.

Other precautions being taken include:

• Many facilities usually open to the public will be closed, including visitor centers and public showers.
• Bathroom facilities are available at all beaches. They will be sanitized on a regular basis.
• Rangers will provide information and orientation services outdoors on the visitor center grounds. There will be no programs, and historic buildings will remain closed.

"This is clearly a summer like no other, Seashore Superintendent Brian Carlstrom said in a statement. "This is the first time in history that Cape Cod National Seashore will operate during a global pandemic. Even in these unusual times, we will provide public access and do our best to educate the public about how to safely recreate during the pandemic, while reminding them of regular safety precautions they need to take when visiting the wild and wonderful beaches on the Outer Cape."

Beachgoers were also reminded to be on the lookout for sharks. Stay away from seals and schools of fish, as they are the primary food source of sharks. Officials also said to never swim alone.