Falmouth Officials Release Beach Reopening Rules

FALMOUTH, MA — Falmouth residents can go to the beach again starting Monday as part of the first phase of Massachusetts reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic. But town official cautioned that how people enjoy the beaches will have to change for the foreseeable future.

Town officials launched a beach plan consistent with state requirements. These include:

• Gatherings will be limited to 10 people or fewer.
• Masks must be worn at all times, except for when swimming.
• Beach goers must maintain at least 6 feet of social distance from others and 12 feet from other towels or blankets.
• Organized games are banned including but not limited to volleyball, Kanjam, football and soccer.

Signage will be placed at all beaches identifying the social distancing and hygiene requirements. Additionally, parking lot capacity was reduced by 50 percent.

Parking attendants and lifeguards will not enforce social distancing but will
monitor for overcrowding and report concerns to supervisors. Further action may need to be
taken if the public health is jeopardized by overcrowding or non‐compliance with social distancing.

"We are asking visitors to help us keep the beaches open by acting responsibly and abiding by the social distancing rules set forth by the Commonwealth," Select Board chair Doug Brown said.

Town Encourages Purchase of Resident/Taxpayer Stickers by Mail

Town officials encouraged all residents and taxpayers to purchase beach stickers by mail to limit COVID‐19 exposure for employees and the community at large. The application form can be downloaded here. Completed forms and self-addressed stamped envelopes can be returned by mail or dropped off at the Town Hall main entrance mail slot. Beach parking stickers will be sold at the Ellen T. Mitchell Bathhouse at 56 Surf Drive beginning Tuesday.

Beach Parking Stickers Not Required Until June 20th

The enforcement date for beach stickers at all beaches is being deferred to June 20 to allow more time for residents and taxpayers to purchase these beach parking stickers, preferably through the mail.

Changes to Non-Resident Parking

To reduce parking demand, the town will no longer offer non-resident/taxpayers stickers for less than a full season. Starting June 20th, non-resident/taxpayers will continue to have access to the three pay beaches either by purchasing a seasonal non-resident sticker or payment of the daily parking fee.