Beachgoers along the Lake Michigan shoreline are being warned to stay out of the water Sunday after strong winds and waves caused about two dozen boats to bow out of the annual sailboat race from Chicago to Mackinac Island, Mich.

The National Weather Service warned Sunday morning that life-threatening waves and currents are expected at the beaches. People visiting the beaches should stay out of the water.

The beach hazard statements for Lake and Cook counties in Illinois and Lake and Porter counties in Indiana were in effect until Monday morning. Swimming closures can be found at theChicago Park District andIllinois Department of Public Health websites.

Waves of 5 to 8 feet were forecast. Strong rip currents, which happen most often in low spots or breaks in sandbars, and strong structural currents thatform along piers can sweep people into deeper water, and both were expected Sunday.

Exposed beaches are more likely to experience the most significant wave and current impacts, according to the weather service. Impacts at beaches with protective breakwalls or jetties will be subject to the orientation of structures as well as wind and wave direction.

The conditions on the lake already have affected the Mackinac race. Race organizers said29 boats hadexited as of Sunday afternoon. That included Windquest, a decorated vessel owned by Amway heirs Dick and Doug DeVos.

Another boat, the High Priority 2, capsized in the overnight hours of Saturday and Sunday. Race spokeswoman Tracy Gladden said four sailors were rescued by a boat launched from a U.S. Coast Guard cutter.

Infinite Diversion, a 62-footer, was first to finish Sunday morning in the Cruising Division. That division left Chicago on Friday;the Racing Division fleet left Saturday. About 300 boats overall are competing.

First held in 1898, it's the oldest annual freshwater distance race in the world. Winners are determined based on a handicapping system.

The blustery weather on the lake, coupled with a slight chance of thunderstorms, is expected to give way to higher temperatures and more sunny skies for the rest of the week. As areas along theDes Plaines and Fox rivers continue to deal with flooding, a chance of thunderstorms is expected to return Tuesday.

Check the Tribune's weather page for more details and updates.

Continued here:

Beach warnings along Lake Michigan shore as Mackinac race sees ... - Chicago Tribune

ROME (Reuters) - Italian firefighters fought more than 1,000 wildfires on Monday amid high temperatures and drought, including three near Rome's beach neighborhood of Ostia, the fire brigade said.

With half the average rainfall last month and temperatures higher than normal, occasionally touching 40 degrees Celsius in the south, fields and forests have turned into perfect kindling, the national agricultural association Coldiretti said.

"The situation is very serious ... Rome must not be left alone to face this environmental disaster," the city's mayor, Virginia Raggi, said during a tour of an area hit by fire.

Raggi said fires in the capital could have been the work of arsonists and police said they had detained several people on suspicion of setting fires, including one in Rome.

One man died when he fell from the roof of his warehouse, which was threatened by a fire near the southern city of Naples, broadcaster SkyTG 24 reported.

Last week, hundreds of tourists were evacuated by boat in Sicily to escape blazes there, while fires raged on Campania's Mount Vesuvius. The slopes of the volcano near Naples continued to burn on Monday.

Firefighters said they were called to battle 280 fires in Lazio, the region that includes Rome, and 250 in Campania, 150 in Tuscany, 110 in Calabria, and 100 in Apulia. Firefighting aircraft had been asked to intervene 31 times to tackle large blazes on Monday, the Civil Protection agency said.

Reporting by Steve Scherer; Editing by Richard Balmforth

The rest is here:

Heat and drought feed wildfires in Italy, beaches near Rome threatened - Reuters

This tiny state, with the nickname of "The Ocean State," has only 1,545 square miles of land area, but more than 400 miles of coastline, one of the highest proportions of land to coast in the US. This means that water sports, rock and shore fishing, and Rhode Island beaches are major state attractions. You'll find scores of beaches in Rhode Island all along the coast, in the sheltered waters of Narragansett Bay, along the Blackstone River Valley that spreads northwest from Pawtucket, and in inland state parks elsewhere in the state. Most of the beaches in Rhode Island are open to the public, some for a nominal entry fee.

Narragansett Bay, New England's largest river estuary, undoubtedly has the most sheltered Rhode Island beaches because of its breakwater barrier protection. There are numerous beaches in this sheltered bay, including on its more than thirty islands. They are excellent for novice swimmers and families with children. Narragansett Beach lies at the southern end of the bay, and benefits both from its location on the bay as well as its location on the scenic coastal Route 1A. The lovely mansions of Newport are just a short boat ride away, and just down the road is the historic nineteenth-century octagonal Point Judith Lighthouse that played such an important role in the state's maritime history. Narragansett Beach also features a more varied and fluctuating surf, unlike the beaches directly facing the ocean. This is a half-mile long public beach with two full-service pavilions, lifeguards, dining concessions, restrooms and changing rooms, and rental cabanas. Narragansett Beach also has picnic areas and a beach access boardwalk. Surfing lessons are available and a number of events are held here, including musical concerts, sand sculpting contests, and a kite festival.

Along the coast, on the western part of the state, are miles and miles of Rhode Island beaches that continue on to the Connecticut coastline. Charlestown Beach and Westerly Beach are two of these. There are numerous vacation rentals available along this stretch of coastline, as well as golfing resorts.

Charlestown Beach is about halfway between Narragansett and Misquamicut Beach, which is near the Connecticut border. Charlestown Beach actually consists of two adjacent stretches of sandthe town beach, which is actually on Ninigret Pond, and Charlestown Breachway State Beach and Campground, located on the ocean. Between the two, you have long stretches of fine white sand, a boat ramp for fishing, and 75 camping sites. You're also near some of the state's wildlife refuges, with wonderful marine bird life including the magnificent fish-eating osprey.

The town of Westerly is so named because of its location on the state's western border with Connecticut. Its Westerly Beach is a public town beach encompassing three acres, and with 300 feet of beach frontage. It adjoins the seven-mile long Misquamicut Beach, and is in close proximity to a number of local golfing resorts and several coastal fishing ponds. Westerly Beach is also within two miles of the only one of the airports in the state with flights to nearby Block Island.

Virtually no state or town beaches in Rhode Island allow pets. If you're bringing a pet on your Rhode Island vacations and want it to accompany you to the beach, you will need to find pet friendly lodging with access to a private beach.

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Rhode Island Beaches - Best Beaches in Rhode Island

(CNN) Life's a beach, and in Asia there's a whole lot of good living to be had.

We've researched and uncovered the top beach destinations to be found in the region.

We've even broken them down into three categories -- secluded beaches, action beaches and local flavor -- so all you need to do is decide exactly how much coastal paradise you can handle.

Yunokawa may be known as an onsen (hot spring) district but there are lovely, largely deserted beaches all around town.

The true charms of the coastal city don't show themselves until the winter months. The area is scattered with onsens directly facing out to the shore and we can think of few things better than bathing in a hot spring while looking out at a beach covered with snow.

Yunokawa is largely ignored by both foreign and domestic tourists during winter, as most Hokkaido vacationeers opt for Sapporo for skiing, so shops close early, which adds to the town's sedate ambience.

The picturesque Bai Dai beach.

Phu Quoc is being fashioned as the "next Phuket" and will soon be turning in a pretty profit for the Vietnamese government and resort operators.

But if unspoiled charms are what you're after, there's still time for you to check out the island and find out why the government finds it bankable in the first place (the international airport won't open until next year).

Phu Quoc is frequently touted one of Vietnam's most beautiful islands and the Bai Dai Beach, which squats in a Viet military area, is blissfully secluded with white sands and expansive vistas stretching to the horizon.

Most tourists know Goa for its Anjuna beach, hippie heaven of the 1960s and now tourist magnet. If the cacophony of flea markets and tourist raves are not your thing, head down to the lesser-known shores of Patnem, which is a stone's throw away from the increasingly crowded Palolem beach.

Patnem may be smaller than its famous neighbor but it's also less claustrophobic, with cheaper beach hut accommodation. It's the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the sunset while congratulating yourself on ducking the Goan tourist radar.

Another stunning beach, another spectacular sunset.

The island cluster of Langkawi is spearheading Malaysia's bid to become the next major resort destination in Southeast Asia, and while on the main isle (also called Lankawi) most tourists flock to Pantai Cenang beach, we like the quieter Tanjung Rhu for its earthy beauty and serene atmosphere.

The two-mile Tanjung Rhu beach area is surrounded by ancient limestone caves, rippling waterways and dense mangroves. The newly opened Four Seasons resort offers boat tours around the mangrove forests led by naturalists.

Vijaynagar beach on Havelock Island.

The idyllic Havelock Island may be the most visited stop on the Andaman Islands circuit, but visitor numbers there are tiny compared to the throngs at other equally charming locations in Thailand.

At the low-key Havelock Island, visitors get to taste what rustic island life is all about. The buses that operate on the island look like they're just about to fall apart, and locals, while friendly, have a charmingly disaffected demeanor. Those seeking corporate comforts will not find it here as Havelock is free of chain resorts.

Thailand's Koh Kood is possibly one of the very few places that can live up to the myth of the unpeopled Asian beachy paradise. It's got the prerequisites -- a rainforest, quaint fishing villages, coconut plantations, snorkeling spots, and a population of less than 2,000.

One of the star attractions is the immaculate Ta Pho Beach, a wide swathe of sugary-white sand fringed with coconut trees.

Pulau Derawan, Indonesia is perfect for turtles and tourists alike.

Tourists seeking to escape corporate comforts can't go wrong with the Indonesian island of Pulau Derawan. Tourist accommodation is no-frills, and locals are unassuming and chatty. The luckier visitors will be able to spot turtles wading about on the island's spotless silvery beaches.

The waters surrounding Derawan are known to be a top-notch spot for splashing around with mantra rays and green turtles.

Phra Nang Beach, Railay, Thailand is a Dali-esque paradise.

With Dali-esque limestone structures, hundreds of challenging cliff-side climbing routes and Tiffany-blue waters, the peninsular of Railay is the seasoned rock climber's dream. Phra Nang, the area's fine-grained main beach, offers a sweeping view of the area's rugged beauty and is flanked by stalactite-rimmed cliffs that tourists can jump from.

Although Railay is only accessible by long-tail boat from Krabi and Ao Nang, it can get crowded during tourist peak seasons.

One of Sipadan's many sea-huts is seen in the waters near Sipadan Island.

For divers, it doesn't get much better than the beach-rimmed Sipadan. It's been voted the best dive site in Asia with good reason -- Sipadan is blanketed with lush corals and supports an extraordinarily healthy marine ecosystem, including robust reef shark and green turtle populations.

More divers won't pass up on the opportunity to visit Barracuda Point to experience what it's like to have thousands of barracuda milling around them. To conserve the area, only 120 diver permits are issued at Sipadan every day.

With its political woes apparently easing, Sri Lanka's efforts to become known as a tourism hotspot rather than a terrorism hotbed are no doubt aided by its world-class surf spots.

Surf Mecca Hikkaduwa, one of Sri Lanka's most popular beach destinations, has close to a dozen reef breaks that stop short of being life-threatening, and plenty of sea corals to keep snorkelers happy.

To complete the Asian getaway experience, Hikkaduwa has sumptuously spicy local fare and Buddhist cultural spectacles for vacationers to write home about.

Gaya Island is a eco-friendly paradise.

For those looking for underwater action, Gaya Island is an excellent dive spot for its corals, warm waters and exotic fish.

Boats docked at Mui Ne beach.

Thrill-seekers will not want to miss out on Mui Ne, Vietnam's de facto adrenalin capital. It's famous for kite-surfing for its strong winds and clear skies, and is also generally considered a prime surfing and wind-surfing spot.

Mui Ne has looks, too -- parts of the beach consist of massive sand dunes, like a section of the desert crazily juxtaposed next to the sea.

The Philippines crowning glory.

The Bacuit archipelago, which comprises of over 45 islets, is recognized as one of the Philippines' crowning geological wonders for its sheer karst cliffs and sensational limestone rock formations. The whitewashed shores in the region -- notably the excellent beaches at Cadlao Island -- are also great places to get your adrenalin fix, be it snorkeling, kayaking, trekking, cliff-climbing or diving.

The islet of Akajima of Okinawa's Kerama Islands may be popular among Japanese day-trippers during the summer, but foreign travelers are a rare sight there.

Indeed, Akajima retains a blissfully sequestered charm even during peak season. The beaches are spotless, usually with just a handful of Japanese surfers, and locals are effusive and friendly. Further inland there is a quaint Ryukyuan heritage house open to visitors. If you're lucky you may even befriend a local and have him teach you the shamisen while you sip on cold beer.

Beidaihe, China, is a refuge from the city.

Hainan Island may be China's beach getaway de jour, but it's Beidaihe up north that's been amusing China's upper echelons for decades.

Beidaihe is a few hours from Beijing and offers a fascinating alternative view of China's bygone political intrigue. Rulers such as Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping hashed out national policies in their private villas here, and it's popular among Russian tourists -- an offhand reminder of erstwhile Sino-Soviet ties.

Cloaks and daggers aside, Beidaihe's restaurants offer simpler pleasures with good seafood and ice-cold beer.

There's more to Om Beach at the coastal town of Gorkana than sand and sea. Gorkana, which is the site of one of India's most sacred Shiva shrines, is a major stop on the Hindu pilgrimage circuit and Om Beach offers a fascinating glimpse into Hindu religious life.

The craggy bay is named for resembling the Hindu symbol for oneness and peace, and is backed by coconut palms and verdant hills. Downtown Gorkana is rich with old-world charm, with bare-chested Brahmin priests wandering about, and chillum-smoking masses.

Full moon partiers dance the night away on the beach of Haad Rin.

Haad Rin beach's infamous full moon parties are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Every full moon evening, tens of thousands of (predominately Aussie) travelers flock to the island for drunken, drug-fueled revelry. Lining up for toilets and drinks can get annoying, and there's a lot of shoving and swearing going on, but for many party fiends, the buckets of cheap alcohol, the great food and the maddening crowd makes it all worth it.

Iho Beach could be Hawaii.

With its Hawaii-like aesthetic, Jeju has long been a favorite among Korean domestic travelers and honeymooners, and a standout in the region is Iho Beach, famous for its mixture of yellow and grey sand. The beach is shallow and good for a swim, and when you've dried off, we recommend heading off to downtown Jeju-si to people-watch at the raucous student bars.

White Beach might be a tourist haven, but it's still worth a visit.

Boracay may be a pimped-out tourist central but there's a reason why it remains a superlative on travel rankings.

Tourism and development have crept up on the tiny island but it still lays a respectable claim to its "tropical paradise" name. Boracay has something for everyone, from powdery beaches to water sports and spas. And while the famous White Beach is lined with luxury resorts and kitschy souvenir shacks, watching the sun go down over the water still rates as a very special moment for many.

Nearly all the beaches in the Maldives are faultless, but in terms of beach-side luxury, the staggeringly expensive Soneva Gili resort reigns supreme. Each over-water villa is equipped with little indulgences that you didn't know you needed -- room service by speedboat and outdoor bathrooms, for instance -- and private butlers will drop you off at deserted private beaches complete with hammocks and picnics on request.

Editor's note: This article was previously published in 2010. It was reformatted, updated and republished in 2017.

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20 idyllic beach getaways - CNN

(CNN) When it comes to the best beaches in Sydney, it's hard to know where to begin.

Around 100 beaches are speckled around the harbor and along the coast, both north and south of the Harbour Bridge. The only vex for travelers and locals can be picking the best one.

To make it easy, this list of the 15 best beaches in Sydney showcases our picks for the top of the top.

The lifestyle mecca of Manly, often referred to as "God's Country."

After alighting from the 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, there's a sign at Manly Wharf that reads: "Five miles from the city, a million miles from care." Such is the lifestyle of "God's Country."

A cosmopolitan mall and promenade add to the sight of young, hip, beautiful and sun-kissed bodies. A day trip here is enough reason to consider relocating to the northern beaches. Whether it's from the beach itself, or one of the nearby cafes, Manly is a pleasing place to catch a wave or simply to people-watch.

Manly Beach, South Steyne, Manly.

Just south of Bondi, Tamarama is a challenging swim, but a great view in more ways than one.

Known as "Glamarama" for the eye-catching locals sun-baking on the beach --- it's traditionally been a haven for the gay and modeling communities.

Parking near the beach is impossible, but it's worth the fight because the beach is as beautiful as the locals adorning it. Being small and intimate adds to the feeling that this is an exclusive beach reserved for the lucky ones.

A word of warning, though: it's also one of Sydney's most dangerous beaches, with two rips coming in from either side of the bay. While this makes it a haven for surfers catching waves from the northern head adjoining nearby McKenzies Beach, it can be tough if you're not a strong swimmer.

Tamarama Beach, Tamarama Marine Drive, Tamarama.

Iconic Bondi Beach, where cafes and restaurants are dotted around the district.

Australia's most famous beach is more than 100 meters wide and stretches for well over a kilometer. This allows plenty of space for the overwhelming amount of tourists -- and locals -- that park themselves along the sands. On a good day every grain of sand is covered with bodies, with crowds swelling into Bondi Park and into nearby bars and cafes.

It's sometimes criticized for being too big, too busy, and too touristy --- but it's also the hot spot for fashionable Sydneysiders and travelers and lots of fun.

Bondi Beach, Campbell Parade, Bondi.

The family-friendly Bronte Beach has the best barbecue spot in Sydney.

Bronte's sea pool offers a protected ocean swim and is regarded as one of the best in Sydney -- and much like beach culture itself, it's free.

The nearby parkland has spacious barbecue areas for gatherings and is the most family-friendly beach in the eastern suburbs. On public holidays, the park becomes a sea of frenzy as parties take place.

Bronte's east-facing beach picks up plenty of swell and swimming can be tricky at times thanks to the bulky headlands and underwater rocks. Waves can dump close to the shoreline.

But the vibes and views on offer make it ideal for those looking to laze around on the popular beach.

Bronte Beach, Bronte Marine Drive, Bronte.

Adjoining a national park, the harbor beach feels secluded.

It still calls itself the city's "hidden secret" despite near-impossible parking and a crowded beach, but Nielsen Park is a little gem. The more adventurous can walk along the harbor foreshore through a national park to reach it.

It feels secluded, even though it's packed, and has a quaint charm because it's not touristy -- you won't find a backpacker in sight.

The views back across the bays to the city center are impressive. A net, which makes it a family picnic or snorkeling special, encloses the swimming area.

Nielsen Park, Greycliffe Avenue, Vaucluse.

On the north shore, Balmoral Beach is ideal for unwinding.

Balmoral, on the north shore's Middle Harbor near Taronga Zoo, has an air of peaceful serenity. Life moves at a more leisurely pace here. If it's loud and proud you're after, this isn't it.

What Balmoral does have in spades is impressive views. And its calmness makes it a great swimming spot for families.

Balmoral Beach, The Esplanade, Balmoral.

If it's too busy at Manly Beach, just take a walk, swim or kayak to Shelly Beach.

Shelly Beach is just around the corner from Manly on the north head. If Manly gets too crowded -- as is often the case -- then this is your nearby destination.

Because it's protected from the ocean swell, you'll see lots of scuba divers under the water and paddle boarders gliding along the surface.

And they won't be the only ones making the most of the ideal visibility and calmness of the water, with swimmers flocking to the beachfront as well.

Shelly Beach, Bower Street, Manly.

Parties at Milk Beach in summer strike a contrast with the abandoned beach in winter.

Located behind the heritage Strickland House on Vaucluse Road, this intimate and tucked-away beach gets pretty busy during the summer months, but is near deserted throughout the rest of the year.

A great spot to impress, Milk Beach is a little-known spot that still packs a mighty punch when it comes to commanding views of Sydney. And you'll often see a lot of kayakers moored to take in a spot of lunch.

It's also been the scene of some thumping parties during summer, so you could find yourself walking into a beachy dance floor.

Milk Beach, Vaucluse Road, Vaucluse.

A local secret: Wind down the coastal road to Bilgola Beach.

Descending down the windy roads that lead to Bilgola Beach from the headlands that surround it, you instantly feel you're travelling a path not well trodden.

The rips crashing into the northern end of the beach create some great surf for "waxheads" living on the "insular peninsula."

Bilgola isn't mentioned much and is kept as a relative secret by locals. Quiet and unspoilt, the beach is a real in-the-know spot.

Bilgola Beach, The Serpentine, Avalon

Camp Cove is a place to catch a harbor sunset.

Close to the mouth of the harbor, Camp Cove has some of the most breathtaking views of Sydney. It's also westward facing so gives east-coasters the chance to watch the sunset over water.

It's close to a large park, children's playground, pub and institutional fish and chips -- what more do you need for a day on a harbor beach?

Views also open up in the opposite direction to the vastness of the Tasman Sea, in contrast to the city vista. Quiet, secluded, and quaint, the picturesque Camp Cove is a stunning swimming spot and the elevated promenade gives visitors a chance to languidly take it all in.

Camp Cove, Victoria Street, Watsons Bay.

A cliff view between Bronte and Clovelly.

Arguably one of the best options for snorkeling and exploring what lurks beneath the water's surface, Clovelly is a small and tranquil beach that's noted for its unique narrow bay between two rocky ridges.

Instead of a long sweeping beachfront, Clovelly is protected and therefore provides a tranquil swimming experience away from the hustle and bustle of its busy neighboring beaches.

It's a good base for Gordons Bay, where you can check out snorkeling routes through the waters, or take a coastal walk to Bondi or Bronte.

Clovelly Beach, Donnellan Circuit, Clovelly.

Surfers stick on one end of North Narrabeen, while sun-seekers occupy the rest.

Boasting some of the best and most consistent surf, the beach attracts board enthusiasts from all over Sydney. Surfers have no qualms making the 25-kilometer trip north of the city center to get to the three-kilometer-long beach.

The northern end of the vast, sandy strip is protected from the northeasterly winds and is a surfer's destination, while the rest of the vast beach is ideal for swimming.

North Narrabeen Beach, Ocean Street, North Narrabeen.

Just north of Manly, Freswater Beach is protected by its southern head.

Flanked by headlands on both sides, excellent surf is often produced at "Freshie."

Perhaps fittingly, Freshwater is also the location where Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku first introduced surfing to Australia in 1915. The beach is only 350 meters long and is a popular destination for surfers. It's also the perfect spot for a sunset body surf.

There's also an eight-lane rock pool at the northern end.

Freshwater Beach, Moore Road, Freshwater.

In the Royal National Park, Garie Beach is worth the journey.

Located in the Royal National Park, 54 kilometers south of Sydney, Garie Beach isn't one for beach-lovers without a car. The large beach is spectacular, though.

It's well preserved and is the perfect spot for a relaxing day at the beach away from the city and the "same old" spots. The facilities are top-notch and there's a great fishing spot off the east-facing rocks.

Garie Beach, Garie Beach Road, Royal National Park.

Palm Beach has a tropical feel on a sunny day.

Part of Sydney's "insular peninsula" in the far north, it's the scene of the long-running "Home and Away" TV series and endless celebrity spotting.

The great views take in a salt water lagoon, typical of beaches of the north side of the harbor.

On a sunny day, Palm Beach is a postcard-perfect sand destination -- even though it's 45 kilometers north of the city center. As with so many beach journeys in Sydney, it's worth a drive as you'll catch some breathtaking views along the way.

Palm Beach, Ocean Road, Palm Beach.

Editor's note: This article was previously published in 2011. It was reformatted and republished in 2017.

Read more:

15 best beaches in Sydney - CNN

Six beaches in the Monadnock Region have been closed due to high levels of fecal bacteria found in recent water samples.

Picnic Beach and Camping Beach in Greenfield and Wares Grove Town Beach in Chesterfield were closed on July 13, according to the N.H. Department of Environmental Services database.

State officials closed Sunset Town Beach in Harrisville, East Washington Beach in Washington and Island Pond Public Beach in Stoddard Friday.

There are about 35 public beaches in the region.

This is the first time Island Pond Public Beach has been closed for high levels of bacteria.

East Washington Beach was last closed for high bacteria levels in July 2014, Camping Beach in June 2013, Ware Groves Town Beach in August 2015, and both Picnic Beach and Sunset Town Beach in July 2016.

The advisories will remain in effect until fecal bacteria counts return to levels below state standards, according to the N.H. Department of Environmental Services website.

The agencys database notes new samples were collected at Camping Beach and Picnic Beach Friday; new test results will be available Saturday.

Sunset Town Beach, Island Pond Public Beach and East Washington Town Beach will be tested on July 17, with results released the following day.

Retesting information wasnt available for Wares Grove Town Beach.

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Advisories issued for six Monadnock Region beaches - The Keene Sentinel

Santa Cruz city officials reopened beaches a day early after a shark attack scare this week.

A great white shark attack on Tuesday triggered a four-day beach ban by city officials.

The Santa Cruz Fire Department announced Friday morning that water activity restrictions have been lifted a day early at 9:00 a.m. Fire Department Marine Safety personnel confirmed that no shark activity had been observed in the area since Tuesday.

"Based upon information gathered through numerous water-based patrols and aerial review, staff has determined that normal water activities may resume immediately," fire officials said. "Additionally, all beaches and beach access in the area are open.

According to Santa Cruz Fire Chief Jim Frawley, the attack on Tuesday gave us all a scare, and thankfully it resulted in no injuries to the kayaker. We greatly appreciate the communitys patience and compliance with the water activity restrictions. In thoroughly combing the area, as recently as this morning, and not witnessing or receiving reports of any subsequent shark activity since Tuesday, we have determined that the public can resume water activities a day earlier than planned.

The decision to close beaches came after a shark on Tuesday chomped on a man's kayak near a popular surfing spot next to West Cliff in Santa Cruz. The kayaker managed to escape without injury.

Steve Lawson was paddling about a quarter mile away from Steamer Lane when the shark lurched toward his kayak and bit the front end, knocking him into the water, as reported by NBC affiliate KSBW.

"I felt like I hit a rock," Lawson said. "I saw a shark biting the front of my boat. When he let go, it rocked the kayak and I fell out."

For the next 10 minutes or so, Lawson floated in the water wondering if the 12-foot long shark would double back.

"I was frightened," he recalled. "I was trying to climb on top of the kayak, but I was not able to do that."

Fortunately for Lawson, people in the area and a U.S. Coast Guard crew plucked him from the ocean and towed in the kayak, which now features brand new bite marks.

Despite the attack, Lawson vows to return to the water. Only this time, he plans to stay a little closer to shore.

A great white shark attacked a kayaker near a popular surfing spot in Santa Cruz, but the man managed to escape without injury. (July 11, 2017) Photo credit: NBC Bay Area

This is not the only shark sighting in Santa Cruz in recent weeks. A few surfers at Sundays memorial paddle out for legendary surfer and wetsuit pioneer Jack O'Neill said they spotted a 15-foot shark breaching the surface of the water.

Sean VanSommeram, the executive director of the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation, said the attack on Lawson "looks like something a white shark might do."

He has been tracking the shark population in Santa Cruz for decades and has noted a dramatic increase in the great white population in recent years.

"I think its the warmer water and the abundance of prey," VanSommeram said.

That's a fact that most surfers in Santa Cruz don't seem to mind.

"I'm more worried about drowning and things like that, than a shark," surfer Steve West said.

Published at 11:59 AM PDT on Jul 14, 2017 | Updated at 12:19 PM PDT on Jul 14, 2017

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Santa Cruz Beaches Reopen Early Following Shark Attack Scare - NBC Bay Area

July 14 is a special holiday around the world.

Francophiles will recognize it as Bastille Day, Frances national holiday that commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a turning point in the French Revolution.

However, elsewhere in the world, other people will be celebrating International Nude Day.

The holiday seemingly appeared out of nowhere although, according to some, it has its roots in New Zealand. In 2003, former rugby player (and then-TV presenter) Marc Ellis dared his audience to play pranks on their friends and family while totally naked. The dare heard round the world prompted an annual celebration of skin that has continued almost 15 years later.

Related: The World's Top 10 Islands

Nudists around the world have claimed the day as their own, participating in nude runs, nude ballet and nude yoga.

For those inspired by the holiday, it may be tempting to run outside and bare all this July 14 but just remember that public nudity laws will still be in effect.

While some may curse puritanical society, others can jump on the opportunity to take a vacation. Public nudity may be frowned upon in certain spheres, but there are plenty of nudist havens around the world for those who want to celebrate the day au naturel.

These 10 clothing optional or nude beaches are a welcoming spot for anybody looking to celebrate International Nude Day the way that naturists in 2003 would have wanted.

See more here:

10 Nude Beaches to Celebrate International Nude Day | Travel + ... - Travel+Leisure

Theresa Gawlas Medoff, Special for USA TODAY Published 7:59 a.m. ET July 13, 2017 | Updated 7:59 a.m. ET July 13, 2017

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Bethany Beach's 1-mile-long sandy beach primarily attracts families spending a few days, a week or longer in this quiet seaside town.(Photo: Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce)

With tax-free shopping, dining and entertainment, Delaware's beaches are made for family memories. Bodysurf the steel-blue waves all morning, head to the carnival games at Funland around noon and, in the evening, drive south to the bandstand area of Bethany Beach at Atlantic Avenue, where free concerts are given during the summer.

Rehoboth Beach

Even on cool fall and spring days you'll find die-hard fans of the seaside walking along the water's edge on Rehoboth Beach, but in the heat of the summer, this Atlantic Ocean beach is booming. The population of the town (also called Rehoboth Beach) jumps from 1,500 to more than 25,000. Couples, teens, groups of friends and families, and day-trippers as well as vacationers come bearing beach towels, chairs, umbrellas and coolers as they vie for the "best" spot on the sand. The beach here in town starts at the boardwalk with a narrow strip of dunes dotted with grass and flows 275 feet to the high-tide line.

A wide, wooden boardwalk skirts 1 mile of the 1.5-mile-long beach, and all along that boardwalk are hotels; store-front eateries selling Boardwalk Fries, custard, pizza and burgers; and shops hocking sunscreen, bathing suits, beach toys and hermit crabs. Around lunch time, family-oriented Funland, a boardwalk fixture since 1962, opens its carnival games and rides to families seeking a change of pace from the beach. The amusement center is especially popular in the evening.

Rehoboth is a free, public beach. It has no changing facilities or showers, but there are public restrooms available at several spots along the boardwalk. Metered parking is available on the streets and at the Convention Center lot a few blocks from the beach.

Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach boasts of being one of Delaware's "Quiet Resorts." You won't find the summer traffic jams here that you do further north on Route 1, in the heart of the outlet shopping district. Bethany Beach doesn't have the bustling downtown atmosphere of Rehoboth Beach. And there's certainly not the raucous partying of Dewey Beach.

But that doesn't mean the crowds on this Atlantic Ocean beach are sparse. Bethany's population burgeons from 1,000 during the off season to 20,000 in the summer season. Most of those visitors are families. Families making sandcastles out of biscuit-colored sand on the clean, 1-mile-long stretch of public beach that's backed by sand dunes and beach grass waving in the wind. Families jumping the steel-blue, white-capped waves. Kids young and old bodyboarding or tossing balls on the beach. Early in the morning and in the evening, when the lifeguards are off duty, older children, teens and adults ride the waves on skimboards and surfboards or take to the waters on kayaks or stand-up paddleboards.

In the evening, you'll find families sauntering the boardwalk, hurrying to lick custard cones from Dickey's before the creamy treat drips down their hands. The Bethany boardwalk, just 3/8 of a mile long, is narrower than the one in nearby Rehoboth, but it does feature a larger, bandstand area at Atlantic Avenue where free concerts are given during the summer. Aside from a few shops and boardwalk eateries, most of the boardwalk abuts homes and condos where people sit on their decks watching the passersby. Free, family-oriented movies are shown on the beach on Mondays throughout the summer.

The beach in downtown Bethany is a free public beach that attracts mostly those staying a few days or longer. Day visitors park in metered spaces on the streets or in the few small, metered public lots. A public restroom sits right on the boardwalk at Atlantic Avenue, but there are no showers or changing facilities.

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The best beaches in Delaware - USA Today - USA TODAY

During summer weekends, families may often find themselves wondering, should the kids do something educational today? Or just something fun?

Families can do both. Fairfield has two popular public beaches, Jennings and Penfield. Just a few minutes' drive from those Long Island Sound strands is a lovely collection of restored historic buildings, newly opened to the public. The historic buildings, at Fairfield Museum, surround a shaded common area that is open for picnics.

The historic homes are open Friday to Sunday, but Fridays seem to be the best days for visiting the shoreline. On weekdays, parking costs only $20 at the beaches (it's $50 on weekends) and Jennings offers "Sand Jam" dance parties and family-friendly movies Friday evenings.

It's time for a day trip.

Pack a cooler and head to the Museum Commons to learn about 18th-century traveling, witchcraft trials, agriculture and "The Burning of Fairfield." After that, get some sand between your toes.

Lauren Schneiderman/Hartford Courant

Museum Commons

First stop: Sun Tavern, which was opened by Samuel Penfield in 1780, after the original Sun Tavern was destroyed by the British during the American Revolution.

For decades it was a travelers' hub. The first-floor dining room was a gathering place offering food, ale, beer, hard cider and a place to smoke and gossip or talk about legal matters and politics. These confabs were almost always just men. The business closed in 1818. George Washington, in a diary entry in November 1789, wrote that he stopped at the tavern and "baited" (ate) there.

Lauren Schneiderman/Hartford Courant

Later the tavern was used as a private home. Then it was vacant for a while, being used on occasion to host an event. "It was just sort of sitting there, so we decided to restore it," said Deb Owens of Fairfield Museum and History Center, adjacent to the tavern. "It took us about a decade to apply for and get the grants and do the work."

The restoration re-creates some of the tavern's original features and offers some insight into old-time hotel accommodations. Common travelers had little privacy, almost always sharing a room and sometimes even a bed with strangers. A toilet chair a regular chair with a big hole cut in the upholstered seat sat in the corner of the communal bedroom, for nights when it was too cold, snowy or rainy to go outside. More high-end travelers, such as First Lady Abigail Adams, got their own rooms.

Lauren Schneiderman/Hartford Courant

The 1888 Victorian Barn exhibit explores Fairfield's agricultural roots along with current day farming practices and promotes conversations about contemporary food issues.

The 1888 Victorian Barn exhibit explores Fairfield's agricultural roots along with current day farming practices and promotes conversations about contemporary food issues. (Lauren Schneiderman/Hartford Courant)

The dining area on the first floor has a lively collection of reproductions of almanacs, newsletters and other publications of the period, giving an idea of what the men gathered in the room would be talking about. Paintings and prints depicting Fairfield of that era are scattered throughout the tavern.

Two smaller buildings, a Victorian cottage and barn, were built in 1888 and until recently had been used as storage facilities for the museum. The barn is dedicated to the history of farming in Fairfield and is filled with vintage farm implements such as a plow, a harrow, a hay rake, a cultivator, a milking stool and a spinning-barrel butter churn. A reproduction rake similar to ones used by Paugussett Indians is made from antlers tied to a stick. The cottage has been turned into a little children's museum, with old-time costumes, interactive educational games, old-fashioned toys on exhibit, a craft table and a reading nook.

Lauren Schneiderman/Hartford Courant

A room for travelers visiting the tavern was upstairs from the taproom. The room shows how travelers slept in dormitory style rooms.

A room for travelers visiting the tavern was upstairs from the taproom. The room shows how travelers slept in dormitory style rooms. (Lauren Schneiderman/Hartford Courant)

The most fascinating element of the Museum Commons isn't a building. It's an indentation in the lawn. In the colonial era, that hollow was Edwards Pond, which was used to test accused witches. In those days, folks believed witches floated and innocent women sank.

Admission to all of the historic buildings is free with admission to the museum, which is at 370 Beach Road. The museum is open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but the historic buildings are open only Friday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Labor Day. On Fridays through Sundays, admission is $8, $5 students and seniors, free for ages 8 and younger. Admission prices are lower on days when the buildings are not open. fairfieldhistory.org.

Lauren Schneiderman/Hartford Courant

Beaches

Jennings Beach, at 880 S. Benson Road, is Fairfield's largest beach, at 27 acres. The dance parties and movies on Jennings Beach will be held on July 21 ("Finding Dory") and Aug. 3 ("Moana"). The dances start at 6:30 p.m. and the movies start around 8:30 p.m.

The 3.5-acre Penfield Beach, at 323 Fairfield Beach Road, has picnic tables and charcoal grills, and is the site of one of the 26 playgrounds dedicated to the victims at Sandy Hook School. This one is dedicated to Jessica Rekos. fairfieldct.org/content/2765/2783.

Read more:

Fairfield Day Trip: Restored Historic Homes And Nearby Beaches - Hartford Courant

Visiting New York City this summer? Take a break from Times Square, shopping and museums and do like the locals: Hop a train or ferry to the beach.

The beach atConey Island, at the tip of Brooklyn and reachable by four subway lines from Manhattan, is bordered by a famous strip of amusement park rides.

You can also go by subway toRockaway Beach, Queens, but a new ferry service now departs for the Rockaways from Wall Street's Pier 11 on the East River in Lower Manhattan, with one stop in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

Here are some tips for a beach day in the Big Apple.

CONEY ISLAND

Take the D, F, N or Q subway train to the end of the line in Brooklyn ($2.75 each way). Several small amusement parks sit side by side across from the station, with the boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean just beyond.

The famous Cyclone ride is to your left when you get off the train. It's a wooden roller coaster that will rattle your bones. And it's easy to spot Deno's Wonder Wheel amid the colorful jumble of attractions. It's a towering Ferris wheel with two types of cars. One car slides out to the edge and back in as the wheel turns; the other car is stationary. You'll be asked which car you prefer when you board.

Have a hot dog from Nathan's and wander down to the water to dip your toes or take a swim. To your right as you face the ocean, there's a pier where you'll find fishermen chatting in various languages Russian, Spanish, Chinese while tending to their catch.

Just remember: This isn't Disney World. It's a place with old-fashioned charm the seaside park dates to the 19th century as well as a big dose of urban grit. You may see litter on the beach and on a hot day, smell garbage in the alleys between the rides. Welcome to New York, folks!

Don't worry about water safety, though: Water quality is monitored by city health officials and lifeguards watch the swimmers. But don't leave your belongings unattended. Have one person in your group stay with them on the sand while others get wet.

Daniela Prankl, visiting with her sister from Austria, said the long subway ride from Manhattan to Coney Island "was absolutely worth it." She enjoyed seeing New Yorkers relaxing at the beach, in contrast to "busy Manhattan."

"Tourists should know that they can spend a great time there, with having fun in the amusement park, watching fisherman, having a walk at the beach and enjoying nice food," she said.

ROCKAWAY

The trip by ferry from Wall Street in Manhattan to Beach 108th Street in the Rockaways is only an hour on the water. But hundreds of people have been lining up for the boat at times, so the wait to board can be long, though extra departures have been added to theone-boat-per-hour schedule($2.75 each way, tickets sold onsite or online). The ferry offers spectacular views of One World Trade and the skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan.

Rockaway is famous for big waves and even has designated surfing areas. Elsewhere body-boarding and body-surfing rule. Just watch out for strong currents and churning water that can dislodge sand beneath your feet as you wade in.

After the ferry arrives, you can hop a free shuttle bus to various beaches, or walk the few blocks from the bay side of the Rockaway peninsula where the boat drops you off, to the ocean side where the beaches are. You'll pass shops and eateries along 108th Street as you walk from the ferry to the ocean side, or look for concession stands at Beach 106th Street, Beach 97th Street and Beach 86th Street. Favorite local foodie spots include Tacoway Beach, at 302 Beach 87th St., and Caracas Arepa Bar, 106-01 Shore Front Parkway.

Rockaway was hit hard by flooding from Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Restoration included beach grass plantings and a new concrete boardwalk.

The rest is here:

Beaches to visit while in New York City - Newsday

UPDATED: Thu., July 13, 2017, 4:13 p.m.

There are few things in life held in higher esteem than a great beach.

We have made the greatest of these locations into relaxation destinations and will, when possible, pack up a bathing suit, a toothbrush and a pair of flip-flops and fly around the globe to plop ourselves into deep, velvety sand and allow the surf to wash away our cares.

We hold their names in the highest reverence: Waikiki. South Beach. Copacabana. Malibu.

And we keep songs about them forever locked into the Victrola of our memory. Doubt that? Try to keep from humming the melody that goes with the phrase Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.

One of the greatest resources we have at our disposal in our corner of the world is a wealth of quality fresh-water beaches. We can throw a beach chair, a bottle of sunscreen and a cooler or refreshment into the car and head off to a beach anytime the weather allows.

City Park and Beach in downtown Coeur dAlene is a primary destination on a hot summer day, as much for its proximity as for its stretch of sand and gentle, lapping waves.

For many of us, its the first beach that comes to mind when the need sun and surf overwhelms us.

But there are so many more great beach destinations to explore and enjoy.

Here are seven alternatives definitely worth checking out:

City Beach, Sandpoint. OK, the name should give you a giant clue about how the North Idaho city meets Lake Pend Oreille. The white-sand beach is luscious and the surrounding park is expansive and welcoming. Its the kind of place that invites you to stick your toes in the water, sip a cold drink and allow the gentle waves to wash away the rest of the world. If you need more than simple relaxation, the beach and park offer plenty of recreation. On any given day you will find every imaginable type of ball being thrown, batted or spiked. You can swim to your hearts content or just watch the boats come in and out of the nearby marina.

Honeysuckle Beach, Hayden Lake. Cities with a body of water in their name HAVE to have a built-in commitment to beach life, and that is definitely true here. Hayden Lakes gem of a beach is a treasure. Coeur dAlene and Pend Oreille grab the headlines while Hayden, the lake in the middle, can sometimes get overlooked. It shouldnt. If for no other reason than the spectacular view of Honeysuckle Bay and the rest of the picturesque lake. The popular spot will sometimes require a hike in because the parking is somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Its well worth the walk.

Liberty Lake Regional Park, Liberty Lake. The No. 1 destination on the lake used to be the aptly named Sandy Beach Resort, but that spot now is just a warm memory. This park is its worthy successor. The beach is so large that it makes a magnificent starting point for the annual Valley Girl Triathlon. And the sight of hundreds of women racing into the water to start the race is one to behold. But the same can easily be said of watching toddlers splashing in the water or building castles in the sand.

Boulder Beach, Spokane Valley. This spot along the Spokane River is as close to a secret swimming hole as we can get. With the plethora of lakes to choose from, many of us overlook the river in our own backyard as a spot for a little beach relaxation. Located on Upriver Drive, the beach is nestled next to the Centennial Trail, meaning you can interrupt your scenic walk with a little dip in the water.

Fish Lake, Cheney. Dont let the name fool you. This little lake features a great, little stretch of sand and a perfect spot to go for a swim. Motorized boats are prohibited, so really good swimmers can do laps around the lake if they choose. Where else can you do that?

Beaver Bay Beach, Farragut State Park. This is a beautiful spot to spend those hot, hot days of summer. You can enjoy Lake Pend Oreille in a natural setting rather than being close to downtown. It can be quiet and rustic, with air scented with pine.

Qemiln Park, Post Falls. This stretch of sand alongside the Spokane River is shielded from the current, so it makes for an excellent swimming spot. And the park features all the amenities you need for a day at the beach, including barbecue pits and picnic areas. Plus theres an extensive trail system for a midday hike.

Continue reading here:

Come on in, the water's fine: 7 great beaches near you - The Spokesman-Review

To: All runners

From: Palm Beaches Marathon race committee

Subject:Running through the Townof Palm Beach

Please be advised, you will be running part of the marathon and half-marathon on Dec. 3 through the Town of Palm Beach.

Some of you may not fully grasp the historical significance of this. To you, it might look like just another couple of bridges to cross, and a small, seemingly insignificant 1.2 mile stretch of a much longer route you will race.

But you will be pioneers that morning, brave souls venturing much like Neil Armstrong did 48 years ago, into a hostile, sterile environment, where you will take many mincing little steps for runners, but one giant leap for runners-kind.

In the past, the Palm Beach Town Council has taken a dim view of the area marathon, barring runners from entering the island and using the rationale that the race, which is dominated by runners who live off the island, really isnt town serving enough to accommodate.

As former Town Council Member Robert Wildrick put it so succinctly two years ago:

I just dont understand how it benefits the town of Palm Beach. I dont see why anyone who is a resident here should be inconvenienced when there are other alternatives.

But this year, race organizers came back again with another proposed route that included the island. The Town shot down the original plan for a 4-mile section, but on a tight 3-2 vote, the council allowed the runners to enter north side on the Flagler Bridge, run down the Lake Trail and leave through the Royal Park Bridge.

The idea is to get the Palm Beach portion of the race done early. So early, the people in Palm Beach may not notice it. All runners are expected to have completed the Palm Beach section of the race by 7 a.m on that Sunday, and all traffic cones will be gone 15 minutes later.

Our goal is not to be a nuisance, race owner Ken Kennerly said.

So the question is: How you, as a runner, can do your part in not making yourself a nuisance on race day to the good people of Palm Beach?

Just follow these five simple rules:

1. Dont stop running

You may pull a muscle, turn an ankle or get a stitch in your side. There are many reasons why runners sometimes stop running.

But you must keep running through Palm Beach. Nobody stops. We have to get off the island as quickly as possible.

Hobble along as best as you can until you cross back to the West Palm Beach side of the bridge. Once there, you can ice down that ankle, massage your problematic hamstring, or start walking.

2. No talking, grunting or moaning

If you open your mouth, its to get air. Better yet, just breathe through your nose.

Expect police to have decibel meters. If the race emits as much sound as a leaf blower, our future on the island may be jeopardized.

3. Practice running in your socks

The route will take you on the Lake Trail, a pathway that is close to the back yards of many homes.

One runner in rubber-soled shoes clomping on an asphalt path doesnt make a lot of noise, but hundreds of rubber-soled impacts does.

So well be asking you to take off your shoes and run in your socks on the Lake Trail. If you get a blister, keep running. The faster you go, the faster youll reach the first-aid stations on the West Palm Beach side.

4.Bring your own water

We tried to get a water station for the race route in Palm Beach, but it didnt work out. So dont be looking for a water station while youre on Palm Beach.

If you think you might be thirsty, bring your own water. If you dont have water and need it, ask another runner.

If youre not willing to do that, and you feel yourself getting woozy, try to time your collapse to the West Palm Beach side of the bridge.

5.Expect police stops

The town police are accomplished at using license plate surveillance cameras to monitor auto traffic coming onto the island. We expect by race time that officers may be using BNRS Bib Number Recognition Software to scan incoming runners as they cross the north bridge.

So please, as a courtesy, try not to allow your hands or arms to obscure your race number as you enter the island, and if you see another runner being pulled over, dont be alarmed.

Its probably just a parking ticket.

As for you, remember Rule No. 1.

View post:

Cerabino: 5 rules of etiquette on Palm Beach for Palm Beaches Marathon - MyPalmBeachPost

WWL.com Reporting

12 Louisiana beaches have been placed under a health advisory as the water at these sites contain high amounts of bacteria. The state Department of Health takes water samples from 24 beaches to determine the levels of the enterococci bacteria. Dr. Fred Lopez with the department of infectious diseases at LSU Health New Orleans says warm water allows this bacteria to thrive.

Swimming in those waters could result in infections of the respiratory tract, skin wound infections, diarrheal illnesses.

The enterococci bacteria is found in sewage and the human intestine. Lopez advises swimmers that if you do decide to get into the water, youre swimming at your own risk.

You really wouldnt want to swallow any of that beach water, you certainly wouldnt want to go in that type of water if you have open wounds and cuts because they could become infected. Lopez says people with weak immune systems are more susceptible to contracting infections by the bacteria found in the water.

Those individuals who are immunocompromised by liver disease, by kidney disease, by cancer, they really should avoid exposure to those bacteria so they can minimize their risk.

Link:

Beach advisory for 12 Louisiana beaches due to high bacteria levels - WWL First News

In the 80 years since Lake Shore Drive was established as Chicago's lakeside highway, planners have struggled to strike a balance between keeping traffic moving and preserving the city's premier parkland.

The scenic avenue has undergone numerous extensions and pedestrian access projects over the years as the city has tried to maintain the historic parks and venues along the route.

On Wednesday, state and local officials revealed the most significant redevelopment plans in decades for North Lake Shore Drive between Grand and Hollywood avenues a stretch beset with traffic bottlenecks, pedestrian and cyclist overcrowding, and flooding from Lake Michigan. In the concepts, Oak Street and North Avenue beaches would be shifted, parkland added, and bike and pedestrian lanes further separated.

The big issue is the variety of users, said Jeff Sriver, director of transportation planning and programming for the city's Department of Transportation.

"It's not just a road or a highway," he said. "As many transit passengers take it as take CTA rail lines, with 70,000 riders using the corridor on buses. It's also the Lakefront Trail. Then, there's all the park activity. It's much more complex and interesting than your standard road project."

At a public meeting at DePaul University's student center, members of the multiagency task force displayed renderings and exhibits of options, which are still in the brainstorming stage.

Among those options was a proposal to add a few hundred feet of lakefill on the Near North Side, lessening the need to close parts of the road during storms.

"The extension of the park and seawall into the lake is needed to protect Lake Shore Drive from flooding, so waves will never overtop it and get into it like they do today," Sriver said. "As a happy coincidence we can use all this space as park."

The added space would allow for construction of a lane of traffic in both directions. And it would allow the notoriously sharp "S-curve" near Oak Street, where crashes and spinouts frequently occur, to be somewhat straightened. The speed limit on the curve could be 40 mph, as it is elsewhere in the road, instead of the current 25 mph in that stretch, Sriver said.

The Chicago Avenue intersection, where turning vehicles must make tight maneuvers, was reimagined without traffic signals, with Lake Shore Drive running underneath Chicago Avenue.

Officials hope the two fixes would alleviate some of the most chronically congested and crash-prone areas, which contributed to an average of 1,165 vehicle accidents a year between 2007 and 2011, according to data.

"I'm pleased with our beautiful cityscape, and they already identified safety as the No. 1 concern," said Larry Nutson, 74, of Lakeview. "But speeding and speeding enforcement is a problem, specifically in my ward with high-performance motorcycles. So, I'm hoping to see a calming of the traffic. The city needs to find a way to enforce this ... because a lot of them don't even know what the speed limit is."

The task force is also weighing reserving lanes of traffic for buses, high-occupancy vehicles or express toll lanes.

However, the congestion and safety concerns don't pertain only to drivers.

Officials presented options to alleviate run-ins between cyclists and pedestrians. In many cases, they are suggesting bicycle paths that fly over pedestrian tunnels.

While plans to separate bike and pedestrian paths along the lakefront are already underway, the new concepts seek to maintain and expand the space between high- and low-speed pathways.

Some alternatives called for the removal of a few pedestrian access tunnels and bridges, half of which are in poor condition, and the creation of new ones.

In a couple of plans, the Division Street tunnel would be removed in favor of one at Banks Street, which concerned Gold Coast resident Doug Saleeby, 62.

"I actually live near there, and I see a million kids a day ride the Red Line to go to the beach," Saleeby said. "And I don't think people who live near there would want them wandering down Astor and Banks to get there."

Wednesday's meeting also revealed options that didn't make the cut, including a suggestion for a light rail line, which the task force determined would cost $4 billion. Proposals for an underwater tunnel in Lake Michigan, an underground tunnel along Lake Shore Drive and a causeway over the lake between Chicago Avenue and Diversey Parkway were also dismissed.

At $3 billion, the tunnels would cost much more than the other alternatives, officials said, and would require hefty operating expenses for extensive ventilation systems to purge auto exhaust and smoke from traffic emergencies.

Costs and funding sources haven't been considered as of yet, according to state and local transportation officials. Projects wouldn't begin until 2019 at the earliest.

"It's really redefining the way the drive works for the future," Sriver said. "It will be the 'new drive' not the drive we got for 80 years. We want to maintain and carry forward the good aspects but also consider the function and need for the users of the park. We see a great opportunity to re-envision how it works."

tbriscoe@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @_tonybriscoe

See more here:

Lake Shore Drive proposals would shift beaches, straighten Oak Street curve - Chicago Tribune

The beaches of a popular surfing community in California have been partially shut down for at least four days after a shark attacked a kayak.

An experienced kayaker in Santa Cruz said he was kayaking Tuesday morning when he felt a sudden tug. The kayaker looked down and said he saw what he thinks was a great white.

"I saw the shark hanging on the front end of my boat," Steve Lawson told KSBW-TV.

The shark bit the front of the kayak, and Lawson jumped into the water in a panic. He was not injured in the attack.

The closing of Santa Cruz's beaches is "unprecedented," said Fire Chief Jim Frawley. (KTVU)

SHARK BITES BOTH LEGS OF SWIMMER OFF POPULAR FLORIDA NUDE BEACH

He called Harbor Patrol for help and authorities arrived in 90 seconds.

"I spent a little time in the water swimming around. I panicked, everyone panics," Lawson said. "There's a shark in the water, but he didn't come back. He wasn't interested in me."

Police shut down water activity within a 1-mile radius.

There is increased patrol along the beach to make sure swimmers and surfers stay out of the water. (KTVU)

We were able to meet up with the kayaker and get him out of the water and actually did determine that it was true predatory attack on a water craft, said Santa Cruz Fire Chief Jim Frawley. And, so out of an abundance of caution, we go ahead and posted in the beaches and have completely limited water access for the next four days.

Frawley said the partial closure is unprecedented but necessary to make sure beachgoers are safe. He said there will be increased patrols along the beaches and on water vessels to remind people not to swim in the water.

GOLF BALL DIVER RECOVERING AFTER ALLIGATOR ATTACK IN FLORIDA

Frawley said lifeguards and beach patrol will enforce the order even though its a surfing destination that attracts people FROM across the country. He said those who defy the directive could be fined up to $200.

Every time you go into the ocean you always run the risk of encountering the wildlife that is there, Frawley said. We just caution people to be aware of their surroundings, understand what the conditions are not only about what is in the water but how the water behaves and also to listen and heed any warnings from lifeguards and Ocean Safety staff.

Santa Cruz is a popular spot for surfers, attracting people across the country. (KTVU)

As for Lawson, he told KGO-TV that he has no plans to stop kayaking after 25 years because of the attack.

He posed with police, smiling, for photos soon after the run-in.

Includes reporting by The Associated Press.

View post:

Great white shark attack closes beaches of popular surfing community - Fox News

(CNN) No one's going to claim Africa has all the best beaches in the world, but it has some of them.

From the wind-tickled shores of the Seychelles to the haunting, seal-dappled coast of Namibia, the continent's sandy fringe is varied and dramatic.

Here's a small sample of Africa's best beaches.

You really can walk across the Red Sea at Sharm el-Sheik.

Sharm el-Sheikh has become Egypt's resort capital for good reason: the warm, crystal waters and wide beaches are great for swimmers and sunbathers and it's the gateway to some of the best diving in the world, along the reefs of the Red Sea.

Good to know: If you want a day on the beach but not in the sun, Sharm el Maya offers good shade.

You're in hawksbill territory.

Good to know: Watamu is an important breeding ground for green and hawksbill turtles.

Good to know: Want to learn to kitesurf? Lessons are available here.

The zanzi-best of Zanzibar.

It's tough to choose the best beaches on this laid-back island, but Nungwi, on the north of the Zanzibar, is one of them.

What was once a simple fishing village and dhow-building center has become a popular holiday destination, where palms casually amble onto a beach that dissolves gradually into shades of turquoise.

Good to know: At sunset, white-sailed dhows leave from the boat yard. Have your camera ready.

Lakes have beaches too, sometimes.

There isn't much to Chitimba besides a peaceful stretch of inland beach -- the lake the beach borders is one of the biggest in Africa. Wrapped with densely vegetated hills and trees that filter down to the edge of the sand, it's a quiet piece of freshwater paradise.

If you're feeling energetic, Chitimba Camp's guides can take you walking into the surrounding hills.

Good to know: Ichthyologists say there could be up to 1,000 species of fish in Lake Malawi.

Camera out, flippers on, good times here we come.

Jungle and boulders tumble down a hillside and into the small beach and bay of Anse Soleil in the southwest of Mahe. It's peaceful, private and a very romantic beach from which to watch the sun set.

Good to know: The simple cafe on the beach serves some of the best seafood in the area.

Worth the plane ride, cycle, taxi and/or walk.

It's obvious why Anse Source d'Argent has been labeled the world's most photographed beach. A walking trail, with jungle tumbling down a hill on one side, winds between massive granite boulders to reveal a sandy beach so perfectly white, and with water so exquisitely turquoise, it seems unreal.

Good to know: There are so many pretty beaches on La Digue, which is easily explored by bicycle.

It's not called Belle Mare for nothing.

The sunrise from the quiet beach of Belle Mare, on the east coast of Mauritius, is worth the bleary-eyed wake-up call. Although it's known for its fine white sand, you're likely to find a secluded space along this barely-developed stretch of beach.

The water is calm and shallow; just what you want for wallowing away lazy days.

If you've always longed to relax on a white stretch of beach where shade is provided by lazy palm trees, not striped umbrellas, Ifaty, on the southwest coast of Madagascar, could be your answer.

This stretch of coastline, lined in parts by fishermen's houses built mostly from natural materials, is flanked by coral reef, which you can explore with goggles and a snorkel or on the surface from a colorful dugout canoe.

Good to know: You could catch sight of whales if you visit in July or August.

Umbrellas and deckchairs not allowed.

A sandy eight-kilometer stretch of beach with gorgeous, clear water is what you can expect from Tofo in Mozambique.

It's perfect for beach-lollers, sand-frolickers and further out to sea, divers and fishermen have good opportunities to express themselves too.

Good to know: If you're keen on surfing or fly fishing, the quieter beach of Tofino is your best bet.

The day's best catch? The view.

For an idyllic tropical island beach, Bazaruto, the namesake of Bazaruto Archipelago, wins hands-down.

The island's lazy sand beaches stretch forever into clear turquoise water, before dropping off into the Indian Ocean, and palm trees dangle over the beach creating perfect cocktail-sipping shade.

Good to know: Bazaruto Archipelago is renowned for its diving opportunities.

Explore the rock pools at dusk.

Situated at the mouth of the Ivungu River mouth, Uvongo beach has a shallow lagoon, perfect for little ones to splash about in. Hire a pedallo and paddle to the base of the 23-meter-high waterfall that drops into the lagoon.

Good to know: At low tide, take a net and explore the rock pools at the south end of the beach.

Where cliffs and postcards collide.

Coffee Bay on South Africa's Wild Coast is beautifully wild. With cliffs that plummet and green hills that roll into the turbulent waters of the Indian Ocean, this is one moody beach that will take your breath away.

Hole In The Wall (eight kilometers up the road from Coffee Bay) is a spectacular rock just out to sea at the mouth of the Mpako River.

Good to know: The best way to see this beautiful stretch of coastline is to walk it.

The rocks of urban bliss.

On a summer's day, you'll struggle to find a place to lay your towel among all the beautiful bodies lazing about on Camps Bay, probably Cape Town's most popular beach.

The road next to the beach is lined with cafes and bars, themselves filled with young trendies -- pack your best boardies or bikini. The Clifton beaches, next to Camps Bay, offer more privacy among the boulders.

Good to know: Get even further from the crowds at Blouberg beach, where you can capture spectacular sunsets and take postcard photos of Table Mountain across Table Bay.

Where even the jackals are taking it easy.

There can be few beaches as hauntingly beautiful as Namibia's Skeleton Coast.

This wide, wild, rugged stretch of beach between the Swakop and Kunene rivers is often shrouded with fog -- the result of the cold air over the Atlantic meeting the warm air of the Namib Desert -- and the beach has become a graveyard for ships that run aground in the shallow, rocky waters.

Good to know: Expect to see lots of seals and marine bird life near the wrecks.

More German than Germany.

What is a beach if it's not a playground? Swakompund in Namibia has reinvented itself as an adventure center, with fishing, surfing, kayaking, quad biking and sand boarding.

Good to know: Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany -- so eat at the Bavarian-style Swakopmund Brauhaus restaurant.

The beaches of Loango National Park in Gabon have become famous for their surfing hippos -- but you can also see elephants, buffaloes, gorillas and leopards on the sand.

The uninhabited coastline of the park is more than 100 kilometers long, and offers good sightings of dolphins and humpback and killer whales.

Good to know: Your best chance of seeing the surfing hippos is January. From September to May you're likely to see forest elephants and red forest buffaloes on the beach; October to February is turtle nesting season.

What you're likely to remember about the beautiful sandy arc of remote Beyin beach are the tall, soaring palms along its edge. It's a classic African working beach, and you can expect to watch about 100 men pulling in enormous seine nets filled with fish.

Good to know: The stilted Nzulezo village can be reached by taking a dugout boat from the irrigation canal across the road from the beach.

You'll struggle to find a quieter, more perfect shoreline than Banana Beach on the tiny island of Prncipe, off Africa's west coast.

It boasts clear, shallow waters, forest-fringed edges and, quite likely, not another tourist in sight. Hard to beat the completely laid-back atmosphere of the island, too.

Good to know: Some of the world's best deep-sea fishing waters are off the coast of Prncipe.

There's a real sense of space and being in the middle of nowhere at River No. 2 Beach just outside Freetown in Sierra Leone, with its pure white sand and a backdrop of lush, vegetated mountains.

Good to know: If you can tear yourself away from the beach, hire a canoe from the local development association and paddle up the river to a waterfall.

You won't be the only one enjoying the sunset here.

A wide bay with a flat beach fringed on one side by unspoilt dune vegetation and on the other, the corduroy waves of the Atlantic Ocean -- Cap Skirring is one of the loveliest beaches of Casamance, which is in turn one of Senegal's most beautiful regions.

There's not been too much development in terms if tourism here, but a taxi ride to the white beach of Boucotte will get you even further from it all.

Good to know: Keen drummers can be entertained at the nearby villages of Kafountine and Abn.

At remote Chaves Beach on Boa Vista, a striking expanse of curvy, wind-carved sand dunes eventually run down into the Atlantic. With its open landscape and soft sand, this desert island is a sunbather's paradise. Chaves beach is isolation at its most lovely.

Good to know: Love seafood? Ask one of the local fishermen to catch your favorite.

Essaouira is beautiful at dusk.

The sprawling beach of Essaouira offers ample space for travelers wanting to soak up some sunshine in this very laid back Moroccan town -- but it's the wind and waves that attract high numbers of wind- and kite-surfers in summer, and surfers in winter.

Further around the bay away from the harbor is a castle that's said to have been the inspiration for Jimi Hendrix's "Castles Made of Sand."

Good to know: Essaouira is beautiful at dusk. Walk to the harbor for great snapshots looking back towards the old town, along the city walls.

Kite-boarding and windsurfing are the water sports of choice here.

The wind blows every day at Dakhla in the south of Morocco, making it perfect for kiteboarders. Flanked on one side by a huge, calm lagoon and good waves on the other, the beach is popular with beginners, novices and pro kiteboarders.

Good to know: The lagoon is calm and shallow, and good for snorkeling.

A beach worthy of its town.

While you'll be lured to the beach at Sidi Bou Said, it's the town on the cliff above it that has become the real appeal of this Tunisian haven.

The narrow cobbled streets are lined only with white buildings with blue doors, windows, shutters and balconies, bougainvillea tumbling down and palm trees reaching up.

Good to know: If Sidi Bou Said beach is too crowded, head to La Marsa. Note that while Sidi Bou Sad definitely rates as one of Africa's best beaches, check travel advisories before traveling to Tunisia, where the political situation is fluid.

Editor's note: This article was previously published in 2012. It was reformatted and republished in 2017.

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25 of Africa's best beaches - CNN

(CNN) In a perfect world, we wouldn't need to explain why Italy's beaches and islands are worth visiting.

We wouldn't need to describe the fluorescent waters and talcum-powder sand, or highlight the delicious seafood or lively nightlife.

Fortunately, this isn't a perfect world, so we get to show off these beautiful spots and you get to read about them and start planning your next trip.

Diving, seafood, dancing: perfect vacation trinity. Plus the sea of the Tremiti islands is gorgeous.

People come here to cover their bodies with clay mixed with seawater, which makes skin smooth and serves as a soothing balm.

The place is great for snorkeling and diving, too: the shallows are one of the best attractions.

You get here from San Domino island, which has lively nightlife.

Wine Bar Era Ora has great cocktails and A Furmicula is worth a visit if you're up for dancing.

All the colors of a great island destination.

At the foot of the elegant town of Taormina, Isola Bella Beach is one of Sicily's most beautiful and popular.

Archeology, shopping and sunbathing combine here.

The little isle in front and the protected bay with its emerald, still waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Nearest airport: Catania. From mainland drive to Messina for the ferry.

One prison you might not wish to escape.

An uncontaminated isle just-off the northern coast of Sardinia, Asinara Island is quiet and surrounded by nature and shimmering sea.

Once a penal colony, today it's a protected park where the only inhabitants are local albino wild donkeys, freely grazing the land, and more than 650 other animal species.

No clubs, no hotels, no restaurants. You get here by motorboat from Stintino, a chic fishing village.

Get to Stintino from Olbia port/airport or Alghero airport.

World's biggest wind protector?

Many Romans' favorite holiday spot, the lunar atmosphere at Chiaia di Luna is striking.

It's great for sea adventurers with precipices, inlets, the caves of Ponzio Pilato and the nearby isle of Zannone.

At the harbor, visitors can rent a motorboat or go for a guided tour.

The scenic town's crazy nightlife is something to behold. The best aperitifs can be had at the glamorous Bar Tripoli on the main square, where VIPs mingle with football players.

Come here and you'll understand why it's considered by many to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

The water color and almost prehistoric scenery of colorful pebble-stone beaches, granite cliffs, sea stacks and grottos will make you feel like Indiana Jones exploring a new world.

The island is uninhabited. There's a small restaurant open only during the summer.

If you feel like trekking, there are dozens of organized tours.

Lampedusa Island -- blinding white cliffs, fluorescent blue waters, African-like temperatures and dry desert.

The heart-shaped Rabbits' Islet beach, one of the world's best beaches, is what makes this island special.

Lampedusa is Italy's southernmost island (it's near Tunisia), with blinding white cliffs, fluorescent blue waters, African-like temperatures and dry desert.

Protected turtles lay eggs here; dolphin-watching is one of the main attractions. But in recent years the island has become better known as a major entry point for migrants attempting to get into Europe.

At the harbor, visitors can rent a boat for a tour around the island and nearby volcanic isle of Linosa, featuring a spectacular black and red Mars-like beach.

The local cream pastries and fish couscous at Trattoria del Porto are great.

Get here by plane from Rome, Milan or Bologna.

Windsurf by day, gorge on seafood by night.

Loud and vibrant, "noble and popular," as locals define it, it's a top windsurfing site and an elegant holiday location.

The restaurants along the sea promenade lure tourists with their stands of fresh fish.

Get here by car or bus from Palermo, just 11 kilometers away.

Mountain trails make this one beach destination you won't want to laze about on.

Inside the Mount Conero Park on the Adriatic coast, Numana Beach lies at the base of a high, rugged cliff.

It's silent, peaceful and breezy and surrounded by lush vegetation: no wonder hermits used to come here in the Middle Ages to meditate.

To get here, take highway A14, exit at Ancona -- the area is also connected by plane from Rome and Milan.

Black and blue -- one of Italy's most beautiful "bruises."

The largest of Sicily's Aeolian Islands, the black volcanic rocks at Lipari contrast with the whitewashed roofs of the houses.

Standing on the Belvedere Quattrocchi, a rocky platform suspended above the stacks, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the archipelago.

Along the village's central street you'll find Da Bartolo, a restaurant serving delicious local fish specialties.

Get here by ferryboat from Naples, Palermo or Messina.

One of Sardinia's top spots, this is the biggest island in the Mediterranean's Maddalena archipelago.

The coral beaches of Budelli and Spargi atolls can be reached by boat.

The pinkish granite rock (some of which was used to build the Statue of Liberty) makes the picturesque fishermen's village -- dubbed "Little Paris" -- glitter at sunset.

The panoramic road that circles the isle takes in several old military forts.

The island is famous for its nightlife: Bar Milano offers food at all hours and DJ music.

How to get here: fly into Olbia airport or port (from the mainland), then ferry from Palau.

Where life imitates postcards.

White sand, palms, shallow turquoise waters -- welcome to Italy's Maldives.

Closest airport: Palermo, then a two-hour drive by car or bus.

Editor's note: This article was previously published in 2013. It was reformatted and republished in 2017.

Continue reading here:

Italy's best beaches and islands - CNN

Dennis selectmen to create committee to address town beach conditions.

SOUTH DENNIS About 60 people crowded into the meeting room at Dennis Town Hall on Tuesday night to voice concerns about the condition of town beaches after a Fourth of July incident brought national media attention to Mayflower Beach.

In response, the Board of Selectmen decided to create a committee made up of residents, police and members of the Beach Department to discuss solutions to these problems. The selectmen will provide more information about this committee at their next meeting.

Dennis police arrested five teenagers on the holiday after four allegedly were seen having sex in the water and a fifth repeatedly ignored police orders to leave the area. An officer suspected they had been drinking alcohol. The incident attracted a crowd, and a video posted on Twitter of the teens being arrested while onlookers chanted USA! went viral.

Angry residents at the meeting said they believed Dennis beaches have become increasingly more rowdy, and the July 4 episode was the tipping point.

This is not a new problem, William Savicki, of Dennis, said. What youre seeing happen on July Fourth is the culmination of a problem which has escalated for the past 12 years.

Residents said they were horrified by what happened, and worried that Dennis beaches would develop a bad reputation.

An image has been created for the bayside beaches, said Wendy Thurmond, who started an online petition to encourage local authorities to crack down on illegal activity at town beaches. Im so embarrassed as a property owner. We made international news.

Four of the teenagers 19-year-olds Julianna Murphy, of Penfield, New York; Stephen Cerrone, of Quechee, Vermont; Lukas Kaminski, of Hopkinton, and 18-year-old Molly Hines of Penfield, New York were each arrested on a charge of disorderly conduct, and appeared in Orleans District Court last week. Judge Robert Welsh III agreed to postpone their arraignments for at least six months while they participate in a program for youthful offenders.A 17-year-old was ordered to appear in juvenile court this week, but the criminal records of juveniles are not publicly available.

Police ramped up their presence on Dennis beaches after the incident, and last weekend, monitors checked every cooler and bag that went onto a beach for alcohol, which is prohibited on town beaches.

After the incident we had all hands on deck, Beach and Recreation Director Dustin Pineau said. Everybody was working for the entire weekend.

Underage drinking, drug use, traffic congestion, overcrowding and beachgoers getting dropped off at the beach rather than paying for parking are major issues at Dennis beaches, according to residents who spoke Tuesday night. Some residents said the presence of drunken people and drug dealers on and near town beaches caused their children to be afraid of going to the beach.

Paul McCormick, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, said Wednesday that the increasing popularity of beaches such as Mayflower was a double-edged sword for Dennis. Although the influx of tourists is good for the local economy, the large crowds can lead to incidents such as the one on July 4, he said.

Its part of whats been going on in society, he said. It has a lot to do with people liking to see more outlandish behavior, and it just is part of a norm today that didnt exist maybe in the past. And of course its all captured on a phone.

But town officials are determined to do what they can to prevent another scene such as this one, which has caused much distress among residents, he said.

Its unfortunate that one really bad incident makes people feel that way, but I believe the beaches are still wholesome and popular places to go, he said.

Follow Madeleine List on Twitter: @madeleine_list.

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Mayflower Beach arrests tipping point for angry residents - Cape Cod Times (subscription)

PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12)

For the first time the Palm Beaches Marathon will be run on Palm Beach. The island's council approved the race to run over the Flagler Bridge, wind south along the Cocoanut Row bike trail, then cutting down to the Lake Trail, before crossing back at the Royal Park Bridge. Honda Classic Executive Director Ken Kennerly has taken over the race this year. The race will be run on December 3rd.

In a release, Kennerly said: "Palm Beach is one of the most iconic and desirable places in the world and the opportunity to include the island in the new course is an enormous enhancement for local runners, those who will visit from around the country and for the race. Raising the bar of this race is my premier goal as Palm Beach and Palm Beach County deserve the very best. I can't thank the Town Council enough for its belief in our vision.

"We employed the same strategy when I took over The Honda Classic, which has seen enormous growth and recognition as becoming one of the premier events on the PGA TOUR. Being able to include Palm Beach island in a segment of the FITTEAM Palm Beaches Marathon is a big step in the right direction toward our efforts to create an elite International running experience."

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Palm Beaches Marathon to run on Palm Beach - WPEC