Barnstable requires residential beach stickers starting June 27; lifeguard coverage limited at some sites

Mark Ells, Barnstable town manager, told residents that town beaches, ponds and lakes will be open seven days a week from June 27 through Labor Day, with daily beach hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. He said residential parking permit stickers "must be affixed to the appropriate vehicle starting this Saturday" and that receipts will not be accepted for access after opening day.

Ells warned of a temporary lifeguard gap on Friday, June 26 when aquatic staff will participate in a joint training exercise with local fire departments at Craigville Beach; "all beaches will be without lifeguard coverage" for that day and east-lot parking at Craigville will be restricted until noon. He said the recreation division has issued over 20,000 residential permits to date.

On lifeguard staffing more broadly, Ells said the town has faced "significant challenges recruiting aquatic staff, specifically lifeguards," and that the recreation division anticipates lifeguards at Craigville, Dows, Covell's and Kalmus beaches starting June 27 while noting some sites will not have lifeguard coverage and "swimmers will do so at their own risk." Residents were advised to watch town communications for updates on coverage and operations.