The Beach belongs to everyone

We want Long Island to be a place where this, and the next generation can surf, windsurf, sail, swim, sunbathe, fish, kayak or just soak in Long Island's Natural Beauty.

Long Island is losing its waterfront and wet lands to private homes at an alarming pace. Beach Access is disappearing right along with it. In addition, many NYS laws concerning Beach Access are archaic at best.

It is not LIBAG's intent to take away any existing rights of NYS Beach users. Only to add to them.

We are fortunate, to be working with the Long Island Regional State Parks Commission towards solutions that would allow all beach user groups equal access to all NYS Parks Beaches, with out excluding or taking away any access rights from any user groups.

The Long Island Beach Access Group is most commonly known for its four core programs;

1- The Beach Access program whose research and advocacy programs support the maintenance and expansion of access to those remote beach locations on Long Island for all users.

2- Also, our Beach Preservation program works to sponsor, participate and encourage those activities that ensure the healthy maintenance of our beaches and barrier islands, such as beach grass plantings.

3- Our Beach Clean-up program works to sponsor, participate and encourage continual beach clean-ups in conjunction with the America Littoral Society. This includes the adoption of Gilgo Beach.

4- But also, Long Island Beach Access Group is known for our Beach Actions program which seeks to encourage and reward proper behavior when enjoying the beaches. This includes following the official rules and regulations of each of the beaches and areas that provide access to those beaches, promoting the “Carry in, Carry out more” philosophy, and in a more informal fashion, instructing people on safe enjoyment of our natural resources.


Remember: it is not LIBAG's intent to take away any existing rights of NYS Beach users. Only to add to them.

LIBAG is honored to work with New York State Park officials, as we continue to connect the Parks to the People.


We look forward to our continued work with New York State officials in order to implement solutions that encourage more diverse use of NYS’s Beaches.


CONTACT US email me libaginfo@gmail.com


Thursday, September 6, 2012

So we are being asked nicely by the State to respect the local authorities (lifeguards etc) when it comes to ocean access with this weeks swell. So be good and have fun.

The following is from Ron Foley, Director NYS Parks Long Island.

I checked with parks where swimming is being sporadically prohibited due to the current Oceanfront conditions. At this moment swimming is allowed at RM and JB as are the other water activities, but Hither Hills is closed to swimming. As to surfing and related activities, these are being allowed or prohibited as local conditions dictate. Lifeguards and other park staff are making the determinations as conditions change. We will not be making a universal decision unless widespread conditions deteriorate to a point where that is justified. So – be ready for anything when you visit a park and please be understanding of the local expertise where the decisions are being made.

Ron

Ronald F. Foley

Regional Director

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation