Winter Storm Damage Limits Summer Services At Barrett Beach/Talisman

FIRE ISLAND, NY — Two factors are causing visitor services to be cut back in the Barrett Beach/Talisman area of Fire Island National Seashore in the summer of 2024.

The narrowing of the beach during the winter no-named storms and piping plover nesting has made accessing this area via park vehicle, boat or polaris extremely difficult, park officials said.

“There will be no lifeguarded beach and sporadic restroom maintenance this season.” said Superintendent Alexcy Romero. “limited access, nesting activity of the threatened and endangered species piping plover, and shoaling have created a trifecta of difficulty for seashore staff to maintain a base level of visitor service.”

Lifeguarded beaches, restroom maintenance and other visitor services will be available
at Watch Hill and Sailors Haven.

The Barrett Beach/Talisman area is considered a boater's paradise across the Great South Bay from Bayport and Sayville.

The National Park Service site is only accessible by private boat and on foot, or by charter ferry service from Patchogue or Sayville.

Barrett Beach/Talisman offers a dock for boaters to load and unload only, a boardwalk trail leading across the island to the ocean beach, restrooms, and a picnic area.

Visitors to Barrett Beach/Talisman must use the bathroom facilities closest to the ocean beach. Due to limited resources, the Talisman restrooms are currently closed.