Marine staff tally larger summer operations, cite boat cold‑weather challenges and new rescue drone

Harbor staff opened the meeting by reviewing last summer’s operations and near‑term plans. Marine staff reported 1,210 patrol hours, 42,301 gallons pumped, 72 calls for assistance and 173 rescues, and said beach headcounts totaled 352,863 patrons. “We had a really strong and successful summer across lifeguard, harbor and dock operations,” staff said.

The presentation credited a new lifeguard dorm with improving morale and retention and previewed dock‑side work planned this winter: replacement dinghy docks at the town pier and recruitment for about 60 seasonal lifeguards and 20 dock staff. Staff also said the harbor acquired a 40‑foot Harbor Guard jet boat with firefighting capability but is troubleshooting cold‑weather issues: jets that clog, limited engine-room space that complicates adding transmissions and difficulty keeping engines warm on freezing mornings.

On safety technology, staff described an operational drone program and plans to add a second drone able to drop a rescue tube. Board members raised geofencing and airport clearances; staff said they had coordinated with the airport for rescue uses and that the tube payload weighs just under nine pounds. “We have four drone operators,” the presenter said, calling the tool “a significant safety enhancement.”

Board members asked about vessel replacement and aids to navigation; staff said they are evaluating a new patrol platform used across Cape Cod and the Islands and expect to consider replacing older buoy and patrol boats. Staff also noted the harbor will install outdoor showers and additional fencing at the lifeguard dorm to address quality‑of‑life concerns.

What’s next: staff will advertise boater‑safety course dates, pursue equipment quotes for patrol and buoy boats, and continue winter maintenance and training coordination with police and fire departments.