Surf camp approved to name Short Beach as alternate when Long Beach is closed; police want vehicle details

The board discussed a request from a private surf camp that asked permission to operate at alternate Nahant beaches when state water testing forces the regular site, Long Beach, to close.

John Coul, who reviewed and approved the camp’s application for Long Beach for 2026, told the board that the camp should submit an addendum identifying Short Beach as its primary alternate and that permission to operate at the alternate site should be conditioned on state water-sampling showing indicator organisms below exceedance levels. He said the town would require prompt notification to the town administrator’s office and the police chief when the camp switches locations.

Emily, the camp’s director, said the program began on Long Beach two days earlier and that daily attendance typically runs about 20 to 25 children. She said staff bring two large vehicles (a box truck and a 15-passenger van) plus up to two staff cars.

Police Chief Furlong raised parking and logistics concerns and asked the camp to provide license-plate information for vehicles that would remain parked in town during operating times so officers could be informed and, if appropriate, issue passes for lowlands parking. The chief said daytime parking during Monday–Friday operations should generally be manageable but that license-plate details would help ensure officers can quickly identify authorized vehicles.

Board members and staff said an addendum to the camp’s application and timely information-sharing with police would be sufficient for interim operations; no formal vote was required at the meeting.