Town approves large-assembly permit for Red Hook Sea Raiders meet with conditions

The Town Board of Rhinebeck on June 25 approved a large-assembly (mass-gathering) permit for the Red Hook Sea Raiders swim meet scheduled Aug. 2–3, 2025 at the Red Hook Pool.

Mary Herron, head coach of the Red Hook Sea Raiders, told the board the host expects about eight teams and roughly 800 families onsite during the primary meet day; organizers plan to reserve around 30 parking spaces in the park, use the pool parking for officials and to arrange overflow parking at the middle and high schools with sidewalks for pedestrian access. Herron said lifeguards, first-aid stations, a DJ for announcements, and portable toilets (eight units plus a trailer bathroom for officials/volunteers) are part of the event plan.

The resolution (recorded as Resolution 42 in the meeting) approves the application “subject to the conditions in the form of the application on file and subject to the following additional conditions.” The board noted the application on file lacked a signature from a representative of the pool-owner organization; that signature was confirmed to be forthcoming. Board members asked organizers to continue coordinating with local police, the sheriff’s office and the fire company about traffic and emergency vehicle access, and asked staff to seek confirmation about EMS coverage for the event day. The supervisor noted staff and officers are authorized to take necessary actions if traffic or safety complaints arise during the event.

Organizers told the board they plan staggered drop-off and volunteer-directed traffic control early in the morning to avoid congestion on Linden Avenue. The board emphasized that the front section of the pool area will remain clear for emergency vehicle access and that organizers must provide signage and volunteer instructions for parking and drop-off.

The motion to approve the permit passed by voice vote with all members recorded as voting in favor.