Hampton Beach: Lifeguards, police to crack down on beach drinking this summer
HAMPTON — Lifeguard Chief Patrick Murphy has one message to visitors coming to Hampton Beach this summer: “Leave your alcohol at home.”
“The ocean, swimming and alcohol do not mix, it makes for a more dangerous situation,” he said.
The state Department of Safety held a press conference Friday at the Seashell Stage to remind visitors of the do's and don'ts at the state beach and public safety preparations for the 2024 summer season. They were joined by officials from State Parks, the state Department of Transportation, N.H. Fish and Game, and the Hampton police and fire departments.
Murphy, who has been a lifeguard for more than two decades, said there were 9,000-plus alcohol violations between Hampton Beach, Jenness Beach and Wallis Sand last year. So far this year, he said, there have been more than 1,200 violations.
“Last year we had 456 rescues, and the amount of them that were caused by alcohol, it just creates more of a danger,” he said. “We just want people to enjoy (the beach) safely.”
State Police Marine Patrol Lt. Irwin Malilay said New Hampshire waterways “become extremely busy” in the summer, citing the registration of over 100,000 boats in the state last year alone. That number doesn’t include watercraft such as kayaks, canoes and paddle boards, he added.
His message to all boaters this summer: “Always designate a sober pilot.”
“Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol and drugs is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous,” he said. "The waves, vibration, wind spray and other stressors can accelerate the effects of drugs and alcohol and impact the driver’s impairment.”
Malilay also reminded the public of boating safety, such as wearing life jackets and being courteous when driving near other boats, watercraft and swimmers.
The summer season, according to state Department of Transportation Commissioner William Cass, is also a construction season.
Although most work is done off hours, he said accidents have occurred at an “alarming” 65% of construction areas.
“We ask that people please be aware… and pay attention, especially in work zones through the year where there are many changes day-to-day and week-to-week,” he said. “We ask folks to keep your heads up and put your phones down.”
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State police, Hampton PD to step up patrols
Hampton Police Chief Alex Reno said local law enforcement is gearing up for Memorial Day weekend, increasing patrols and monitoring for driving violations and impaired drivers.
He said the message they want to get across this summer is “not drink and drive.”
Reno said the town’s population surges to more than 100,000 people on a hot summer day throughout the summer. On a busy weekend alone, the number of vehicles that enter the area is around 100,000, he added, making it more important to drive carefully.
Executive Councilor Janet Stevens, R-Rye, said Rockingham County has the “highest amount of fatal alcohol and or drug-related crashes in the entire state,” citing over 7,000 cases within the span of two years.
“It’s alarming, it’s disturbing, and it has to stop,” she said.
Stevens said about 26% of road fatalities in the state occur during the summer season.
"Our law enforcement professionals cannot tackle this problem alone," she said. "Every driver on our roadway needs to step up as well."
State Police Lt. Chris Stone reminded visitors to “drive courteously, don’t drive distracted and always have a plan to get home safely.”
In his effort to promote public safety, Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn spoke on the importance of being aware of your surroundings, inviting the public to “be part of our safety team.”
“It’s as simple as this: If you see something, make a phone call,” he said. “While we want everyone to have an enjoyable summer, it’s important that celebrations are held safely.”
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State and local officials offer summer safety reminders
State, county and local law enforcement will be partnering throughout the summer season toincrease patrols focused on detecting and deterring impaired drivers.
Residents and visitors should designate a sober driver if they intend to consume alcohol.
Impaired driving continues to claim lives in New Hampshire. In 2022, alcohol and/or drugs weredetermined to be factors in more than 70% of crash deaths.
Driving or boating while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is dangerous, illegal and willresult in an arrest and administrative license suspension.
Swimming or lighting fireworks while impaired is extremely dangerous and unnecessarily riskslives.
Children under the age of 13 are required to always wear a United States Coast Guard-approvedlifejacket while underway on a vessel. It is good practice for everyone on board a vessel to weara lifejacket.
Pay extra attention and avoid distractions while driving in work and construction zones. NewEngland 511 provides up-to-the-minute traffic and transit information.
Alcohol is not permitted on Hampton Beach. In 2023, State Beach Patrol cited more than 9,000alcohol violations. To date in 2024, there have already been 1,200 alcohol violations.
Fireworks are unlawful within the town of Hampton.
Granite State residents can sign up for NHAlerts to monitor broadcast updates forcommunications regarding emergencies and severe weather.
New Hampshire Liquor Enforcement investigators will be working to ensure licenseesresponsibly sell and serve alcohol. The Total Education in Alcohol Management (T.E.A.M.) courseis available to assist licensees with understanding state alcohol, beverage and tobacco laws.
When traveling, become familiar with all available exits in the event of an emergency, such as afire. Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are also working properly. Additionally, alwayscomply with local ordinances and remain sober while lighting fireworks.
DUI penalties for impaired operators of OHRVs are the same as if they were operating a vehicle.Fish and Game Conservation Officers will continue to patrol trails and conduct enforcementinitiatives.
Anyone who experiences an emergency should contact 9-1-1 immediately. Call if you can, text ifyou can’t.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Hampton Beach: Lifeguards, police to crack down on beach drinking
