Solvejg Wastvedt - MPR , KARE 1:46 PM. CDT July 12, 2017

There was no life guard on duty last weekend when a 5-year-old boy drowned at a beach on Carver Lake in Woodbury. (Photo: KARE)

WOODBURY, Minn. - When a 5-year-old boy drowned at a Woodbury beach last weekend, there wasn't a lifeguard around.

That's the case at swimming spots around the state. Minnesota beaches are increasingly going without lifeguards, which means parents and other adults need to know how to keep children safe around the water.

"The trends in that most waterfronts, whether it be lakes or rivers, state parks, some of the bigger county parks do not have lifeguards on duty," Woodbury Park and Recreation Director Bob Klatt said. "Whereas if you're at pay facilities, it's typically the case that there are lifeguards there."

Stock image (Photo: KARE)

Carver Lake, where the boy drowned, used to be lifeguarded, Klatt said. But in 2009, it was converted from a fenced-in, paid facility to a free area.

Klatt said that was partly a budget decision for the city entrance fees weren't covering the cost of lifeguards. However, he said beach usage has increased since cutting the fees.

Woodbury doesn't plan to change the no-lifeguard practice, Klatt said, and it isn't alone.

Minneapolis parks and recreation has lifeguards at eight of its 12 beaches.

Three Rivers Park District discontinued beach lifeguards in 2002 for budget reasons, a spokesperson said, and it doesn't plan to bring the guards back either.

But for some parents, lifeguarding shouldn't be about the money.

"Having a lifeguard out here wouldn't be that much of an expense really," said parent Cory Albert, "and I think the funding could be there and I don't see why it's not."

NewsCut: 'There's a lot of money in Woodbury ... But not enough for a lifeguard'

One recent day, Albert took his daughters to Carver Lake to swim near the posted signs reading, "Swim at your own risk." He made them wear arm floaties, which he said is a must for safety.

Still, he said he wishes there was extra protection at the beach. "I think there should be a lifeguard here, especially because it's kind of remote, it takes a little while to get to, and it would be safer if there was someone obviously here."

On the other end of the beach, Shiloh Clamons disagreed, saying that lifeguards' rules can be "ridiculous."

Clamons, a daycare provider, noted that she's watching her kids, too.

"If there's a lifeguard or not a lifeguard, it's always the responsibility of the adult that brings the child to always have an eye on the child that's swimming," she said.

However, Clamons said it bothers her that not everyone has the same access she did to learning about water safety.

Clamons grew up in Minnesota. But families who are new arrivals to the U.S. as immigrants or refugees may not have experience with lakes and beaches.

A recent USA Swimming Foundation study of five southern U.S. cities found wide disparities in swimming ability by race and income level.

For anyone taking care of kids in the water, Three Rivers Park District media specialist Tom Knisely has a simple tip: watch them.

Choking on water is like choking on food, Knisley said. Drowning victims can't talk, Knisley said, so you need to watch not just listen.

"Drowning is silent. People have this impression that it's like in the movies, 'Help me, help me I'm drowning I'm drowning,' and that they'll be able to hear whether their child is in distress or not. That's not the way it happens."

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Unguarded beaches fuel parental concern - KARE

(CNN) Two thousand kilometers of coastline -- much of it long stretches of white sand -- put Myanmar in the running to be Asia's next super-popular beach destination.

Many of Myanmar's beaches are unspoiled and undiscovered, reminiscent of Thailand's beaches 20 years ago. he best ones are along the shores of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. These beaches face west, virtually guaranteeing great sunsets.

Briton Stephen Barker first visited Myanmar in 1995 and has made more than 10 trips since, usually staying several months at a time.

"Given that accommodation is so expensive these days, I think we'll see more people camping on the beach, it could really take off," says Barker, who has made it his mission to explore all the country's beaches.

Here are four of the best Myanmar beaches to visit:

Ngapali -- a long stretch of pristine white sand.

This is a dream beach with seven kilometers of white sand fringed with palm trees. The turquoise sea is crystal clear. Several daily flights from Yangon -- a 45-minute flight -- help make this by far the most popular beach in Myanmar.

Once word gets out, Myanmar's sunsets -- like this beauty in Ngapali -- will be legendary.

The route by road through the Rakhine Yoma Mountain range has been off limits recently because of trouble in the state. As it's somewhat remote, this is a place to come for a few days and sink into beach mode. Accommodation options range from small beach huts to villas and there are plenty of restaurants serving fresh seafood.

The beach is named after the Italian city of Naples -- a homesick Italian bestowed the name, so the story goes.

The tourist industry is well developed and there's plenty to do from sea sports -- snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking -- to cycling and golf.

"This is definitely not the place for backpackers," says Barker. "You have to fly in and out and that can make it expensive. Ten years ago prices ranged from $2 to $400. and these days it's very resorty."

Ngwe Saung -- seriously laid back.

South of Ngapali and closer to Yangon, the resorts on this stretch of coast arrived a little more than a decade ago.

The sea is as clear as it is in Ngapali, but the area isn't as developed, making it a seriously laid back spot and a great place to do nothing after exploring the country.

Ngwe Saung Beach on the Myanmar shore of the Bay of Bengal. There are flights from Yangon -- a 35-minute trip -- but it's just as easy to do the six-hour road trip. If you want to savor the journey, you can take a 16-hour boat from Yangon to the gateway town of Pathein.

When you've had enough of lying on the beach, there's scuba diving and snorkeling and an island at the end of the beach that you can walk out to at low tide. You can hire a motorbike if you want to explore the 15-kilometer beach and ride on the hard sand sections and take the road that runs alongside the beach for the rest.

The seafood here is fantastic -- lobster, shrimp, crab, fish -- and if you're on the beach early in the morning you'll probably see fishermen coming in with their catch.

Myanmar will host the 2013 Southeast Asian Games in December -- beach volleyball and sailing events will be held at Ngwe Saung Beach.

"I was there earlier this year," says Barker. "The resorts are spread out and range from $15 to $400 a night, some with very nice pools, but you don't need them because the sea is great.

"We stayed at a place called Shwe Hin Tha. It's a backpacker favorite and costs $25 a night for a beach cabin for two."

Buddhist novices collect morning alms in Chuang Tha, about 240 kilometers west of Yangon.

Close to Yangon, this beach is popular with middle-class families from the city.

It's not as beautiful as Ngapali or Ngwe Saung beaches -- the sand isn't as white and the beachfront is a jumble of hotels -- but it's hugely popular, especially on weekends and holidays.

If you're here during the high season and want to escape the crowds, you can hire a boat and explore one of the neighboring islands. You'll have to bring your own snorkel set to get a good look at the tropical fish.

"This is where you go if you want to see the Burmese at play," says Barker. "The beach is very commercial with lots of inflatable things going on. People say the beaches north of Chuang Tha are more attractive."

This is the Myanmar beach to hit if you really want to get away from development. Kanthaya Beach is unspoiled and undeveloped. There are no beachside sports and shops, and that's the attraction. You won't be able to book a hotel in advance, but you're sure to find a room when you arrive.

The beach is shallow and 4.5-kilometres long. Unlike the white sandy beach of Ngapali, 100 kilometers north, the sand here is golden and a little gritty.

The standard Myanmar beach attire is jeans and a T-shirt -- on the sand and in the sea.

The most important thing to remember about the Myanmar beach scene is that resorts close down during the monsoon season, from May to October.

The time to go is December through April. By spring, the water is warm. The beach is a great place to be for the Water Festival in April.

The standard Myanmar beach attire is jeans and a T-shirt -- on the sand and in the sea. Yes, that's right, the Burmese swim in their jeans. Others wear shorts or cotton pajamas, but this is definitely not the land of the bikini. Foreigners are afforded an exception, but this isn't the place to flaunt that G-string you've been dying to rock out or decide to go topless.

Myanmar also has the potential to become a surf destination. The waves aren't huge, which makes it perfect for newcomers, but for those after a bigger swells the time to come is the start of the rainy season (May and June).

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

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4 of the best beaches in Myanmar - CNN

Large waves from Eugene will reach the coast of Southern California and threaten bathers and boaters through the middle of this week.

"Eugene, once a Category 3 hurricane, will slowly weaken over cool water and within dry air over the next few days," according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski.

The circulation center of Eugene was located about 510 miles southwest of San Diego, California as of Wednesday morning.

Eugene became the strongest tropical system in the Eastern Pacific so far this season during this past weekend.

While Eugene will not impact California with wind and rain, waves radiating outward from the center of the storm will reach Southern California waters.

The increased threat for coastal waters comes following several days of extreme heat in the southwestern United States. While the latest heat wave is past its peak, thousands will still be heading to the beach for relief or summer vacation this week.

With Eugene well offshore and to the south, waves that propagate northward will bring the heaviest surf to the south-facing beaches into Thursday morning. Waves during this period can reach 6 to 10 feet.

However, large waves and rip currents will affect many of the beaches throughout the coast of Southern California.

Waves can be large enough to cause considerable over-wash and minor coastal flooding along the beachfront.

RELATED: AccuWeather Severe Weather Center: Coastal, surf advisories How to avoid rip currents Heat to build as wildfire threat continues in California Is western US heat so far this season a sign of what's to come for the rest of summer?

Bathers and novice boarders should use extreme caution when entering the surf this week and heed all advisories.

Small craft operators should use caution and be prepared for a large southerly swell.

As Eugene diminishes while at sea, waves and rip currents will diminish later Thursday and Friday.

Meanwhile, another tropical system is developing several hundred miles south of Eugene.

The next name on the list of tropical storms and hurricanes for the Eastern Pacific basin is Fernanda.

"This new system has the potential to wander into the waters surrounding Hawaii around July 23-25," according to AccuWeather Meteorolgist Eric Leister.

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Eugene to create dangerous surf along Southern California beaches - AccuWeather.com

(CNN) Awe-inspiring. Relaxing. "Piano"-esque.

From the golden bays of Abel Tasman to the naturally heated waters of the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand beaches pack as much sunshine and clean water as they do creative adjectives.

Stunning -- and surprising.

In-the-know visitors to this best New Zealand beach candidate pack shovels and arrive around two hours before or after low tide.

That's so they can dig a hole at the tide line and relax in a personal, natural hot springs spa -- at least until the tide comes up and the waves end the fun.

The coastal springs are unique, and the water that burbles up is full of healthy minerals -- calcium, magnesium, potassium.

The view is even better from atop Lion Rock.

The birthplace of Malibu board riding in New Zealand, Piha is the country's most famous surfing beach as well as one of best New Zealand beaches.

But it isn't just a surf beach -- rugged cliffs frame the sea, the commanding Lion Rock stands guard and the lush bush of the Waitakere Ranges provide plenty of opportunity for exploration, walking and picnicking.

Located on the wild west coast, a half-hour drive from Auckland, it's also a quintessential black, iron-sand destination, moody and misty. Definitely not a swim and sunbathing spot, the vibe is more windswept and mysterious.

Rips and currents abound. Swim only in areas patrolled by lifesavers.

The isolated beauty of Karekare.

Easily accessible from Auckland, Karekare was immortalized in 1993 film, "The Piano".

As seen in the movie, a grandiose sweep of black sand stretches as far as the eye can see, with bush-clad hills backing an isolated, wild beach.

Karekare tends to be less inundated with tourists than nearby Piha. If you prefer a quieter beach, this is the one for you.

The water can be extremely rough and swimming only "between the flags" is advised.

Karekare is popular for its annual beach race day, in which local ponies and horses race to raise money for local causes. Beach race day is usually held in early April.

Karekare is signposted off of Piha Road.

On your way to Tasman Abel National Park, make time for Kaiteriteri Beach.

Golden sand and the highest rate of sunshine hours in New Zealand mean Kaiteriteri Beach has all the prerequisites for an idyllic seaside experience.

The golden color of the sand comes from a high quartz content, which produces a glittering, Midas-like effect.

Penguins, seals and dolphins are common, so make sure your camera batteries are fully charged.

A short drive from the Nelson Township and picturesque Motueka, Kaiteriteri is decidedly the best beach in the South Island.

You'll likely see more surfers than whales

The hills are covered with native trees, while the beach itself is world-renowned for its surf. The left-hand point break is a favorite of surfers.

This is a great place to learn how to ride the waves, and there are plenty of surf schools in the area. Without guidance and tutelage, however, this isn't a place for "grommets" or beginner surfers.

The laid-back surfer vibe has attracted plenty of organic food shops and restaurants, eco-resorts, massage studios and, of course, relaxed riders.

From central Auckland, kayaking heaven at Mission Bay is just a short drive away.

With its bustling feel, vibrant restaurants, ice cream parlors, cafes and pubs, Mission Bay is definitely a city beach. A short drive from Auckland's central business district, on a sunny day this best New Zealand beach entry hums with people playing Frisbee, taking walks and paddling in the ocean.

Mission Bay is blessed with golden sands, an expansive grassy area with plenty of picturesque Pohutukawa, New Zealand's native "Christmas tree." The trees are bedecked with oversized red blooms during summer.

This is a great spot to grab an ice cream from the beachfront Mvenpick store and kick back for a little relaxation in the heart of the city.

The payoff makes it worth the effort to get to New Chums Beach.

It's a little hard to get to, but that's part of its charm.

First, you have to walk for 40 minutes through the bush. Then, you have to wade through a lagoon at the northern end of Whangapoua Beach to a set of rocks. At the rocks you access the track leading to a saddle that reveals the beauty of New Chums Beach.

And beautiful it is, with large Pohutukawa trees and native bush set against a sweep of white sand.

Words like "pristine" and "breathtaking" are bandied around in travel literature -- at New Chums Beach, one of the best New Zealand beaches, they're well deserved.

The placid harbor beach is good for swimming. The Ocean Beach is more dramatic, and popular for surfing and bodysurfing.

For good reason, Mount Maunganui is dubbed "Surf City."

Good weather year round and a great cafe scene make "The Mount," as locals call it, an easy holiday destination.

Where else do couples go to surf and get married?

It's a huge beach, with everything you could possibly need for a day by the ocean -- car parks, idyllic picnic spots, walking and jogging tracks, secluded spaces for sunbathing and easy put-ins for boats.

The beach is popular with local surfers, as well as wedding parties.

Whether you count in miles or kilometers, it's still a really long beach.

While the name Ninety Mile Beach is actually a misnomer (it's really only 55 miles long, and New Zealanders use kilometers rather than miles), it is justly a top tourist destination for its staggering beauty.

With sand dunes reminiscent of a desert landscape, it stretches from just west of Kaitaia right to Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of New Zealand.

Golden sands and impressive breakers alongside the magical Aupouri Forest make this perhaps the most famous beach in New Zealand -- it's certainly the biggest.

The long stretch of beach is best accessed from Ahipara township at the southernmost point of the beach. Follow Sandhill Road north with various access points dotted along the way.

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

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10 great New Zealand beaches - CNN

July 11, 2017 2:03 PM

SANTA CRUZ (CBS SF) A kayaker was attacked by a large shark in the waters off Santa Cruz Beach Tuesday morning, according to authorities.

A call came in at 11:01 a.m. about the attack near West Cliff and Pelton Avenue, according to the Santa Cruz Fire Department.

Marine Safety personnel confirmed the attack happened about a mile out from Steamer Lane. The kayaker was not injured, but the kayak sustained extensive damage witha bite mark from the sharks teeth visible on the underside.

The City of Santa Cruz is posting shark warning notices along a one-mile radius where the attacked happened for the next four days. All water activities at beaches, including Main Beach and Cowell Beach, are prohibited until sunrise Saturday morning, according to the city.

(Santa Cruz Fire Department)

Steve Lawson later said in an interview with KSBW, the shark was a great white. He said the shark bit the front of his kayak and he was thrown in the water. He used his marine radio to call harbor patrol.

Authorities described Lawson as a seasoned kayaker.

Attacks like these are extremely rare in Santa Cruz County, and we are so thankful the kayaker was (not)injured, said Chief Jim Frawley in a statement. This is a reminder that swimming in the ocean does carry some risk and we encourage all swimmers, surfers and kayakers to be mindful of their surroundings and follow directions of lifeguards and Marine Safety staff.

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Large Shark Attacks Kayaker Off Santa Cruz; Beaches Closed ... - CBS San Francisco Bay Area

WHETHER youre planning a staycation, or wanting to make the most of the summer heat this weekend, you might be looking to hit the beach.

From Cornwall to London, these are 11 of the best beaches in the UK which could be the perfect destination for your next day out with family or friends.

Alamy

Weymouth Beach is famous for its soft sand and shallow sea, making it the ideal place to take the kids.

With donkeys roaming the sands and regular Punch & Judy shows, this beach tops TripAdvisors list of the top 10 British beaches for a reason.

You can also check out the rock pools at Newtons Cove, and let your dogs paddle in the water.

This is a dog-friendly beach, although your pooches must be kept on a lead and some areas are out-of-bounds so make sure you check the signs.

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Surfers flock to the north coast of Cornwall to ride the big waves at this dog-friendly beach.

Fistral Beach is the site of several surfing competitions, while amateurs can book lessons and hire gear before taking to the sea.

Alamy

This sandy beach is one of the busiest in Jersey and offers volleyball, trampolines, pedalos and canoes to entertain your kids.

Voted third in TripAdvisors list, there is also sailing, surfing and wind surfing for the water babies among you but were afraid you cant bring your dogs.

This pop-up Thameside beach in Parsons Green offers an escape from the urban jungle of West London.

The BYOB (bring your own booze) bar concept is going down a storm with city dwellers, while there are also a selection of street food cafes.

Book a yoga class or rent one of their cute beach huts.

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This glittering bay offers views across to Godrevy Lighthouse, one of the mildest climates in the UK and a collection of waving palm trees.

The award-winning Blue Flag beach also has an 18-hole mini golf course and is home to The Times Best Coastal Restaurant, Porthminster Beach Cafe.

Dogs are welcome on the beach in the spring, autumn and winter but a seasonal dog ban is in place between Palm Sunday and September 30.

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Voted Wales best beach in the TripAdvisor travel awards, this stretch of sand is also the UKs No 1 dog-friendly beach, according to The Times.

Visitors to this three-mile stretch of sandy shore might even catch a glimpse of a seal or dolphin.

The surrounding area has even been named as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Officially the UKs biggest urban beach, this pop-up is located right in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, in Stratford.

There is a man-made beach, swimming pool, beach bar and amusement park with dozens of fairground rides.

While no day at the beach would be complete a visit to the arcade.

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Over on the Poole peninsula, Sandbanks is home to some of the most expensive properties in Britain as well as its impressive stretch of beach.

Attractions include a crazy golf course, kids play area and water sports hire.

Its won the Blue Flag award more than any other beach in the UK, but were afraid dogs arent allowed.

Alamy

This three-mile stretch of golden sandy beach won the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award in 2015 and 2016, and it still makes the top 10.

Dogs arent allowed in the main section between May and October. There is a dog-friendly area just outside, but you must keep your pet on a lead.

Kayaking, jet-skiing, sailing and wind surfing are all on offer at Woolacombe Beach.

Bringing a touch of Cuba to South London, Brixtons beach is a favourite for locals and tourists alike.

Buy tickets for one of their packed weekend beach parties, with visiting DJs, or go to one of the BBQ Thursdays on the Beach.

Theres also a well-stocked bar and a number of street food venues. Yum.

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Whether its surfing, snailing or snorkelling youre up for, this could be the place for you.

Theres a huge surf, sand dunes, rock pools and caves on offer.

While the pub, The Watering Hole, is actually on Perranporth Beach.

Dogs must be kept on leads between July and August, from 9am-5pm.

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Where are the best beaches in the UK? From dog friendly Cornwall to award-winning Weymouth and even London - The Sun

BOYNTON BEACH

Health officials are warning swimmers of elevated bacterial levels in the water at Ocean Inlet Park and Oceanfront Park Beach.

Advisories were posted at beaches after tests determined the water quality to be poor, according to Tim OConnor, spokesman for the Florida Department of Health for Palm Beach County.

The causes for the rise of bacterial levels is unknown but normally associated with wildlife, heavy recreational usage, high surf or runoff following heavy rains.

The advisory indicates that contact with the water at the affected sites may pose increased risk of infectious disease, particularly for suspectible individuals.

The health department advices anyone swimming in a natural body of water to rinse off with fresh water.

Ocean Inlet Park is on the south side of the Boyton Inlet. Oceanfront Park Beach is the towns main beach, just north of the Ocean Avenue Bridge.

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BREAKING: Swimming advisories posted for two Boynton-area beaches - Palm Beach Post

Large waves from Tropical Storm Eugene will reach the coast of Southern California and threaten bathers and boaters through the middle of this week.

"Eugene, once a Category 3 hurricane, will slowly weaken over cool water and within dry air over the next few days," according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski.

Eugene was located about 550 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California as of Tuesday morning.

Eugene became the strongest tropical system in the Eastern Pacific so far this season during this past weekend.

While Eugene will impact California with wind and rain, waves radiating outward from the center of the storm will reach Southern California waters.

The increased threat for coastal waters comes following several days of extreme heat in the southwestern United States. While the latest heat wave is past its peak, thousands will still be heading to the beach for relief or summer vacation this week.

With Eugene well offshore and to the south, waves that propagate northward will bring the heaviest surf to the south-facing beaches on Tuesday and Wednesday. Waves during this period can reach 6 to 10 feet.

However, waves and rip currents will build throughout the beaches of Southern California. Rip currents are likely to become strong and frequent.

Waves can be large enough to cause considerable over-wash and minor coastal flooding along the beachfront.

RELATED: AccuWeather Severe Weather Center: Coastal, surf advisories How to avoid rip currents Is western US heat so far this season a sign of what's to come for the rest of summer?

Bathers and novice boarders should use extreme caution when entering the surf this week and heed all advisories.

Small craft operators should use caution and be prepared for a large southerly swell.

As Eugene weakens and remains at sea, waves and rip currents will diminish later Thursday and Friday.

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Tropical Storm Eugene to create dangerous surf along Southern California beaches - AccuWeather.com

After two swimmers died off the coast of Rancho Palos Verdes less than a week apart, officials warned of dangerous currents and large waves at Southern California beaches over the next few days.

The precarious waters arrived during a regional hot spell that sent throngs headed for the shoreline to cool off. The heat, which broke records in many communities, eased up a little Monday, but more triple-digit swelter is expected around Southern California this week.

Hurricane Eugene, making its way north off the coast of Mexico, sent a strong swell toward local beaches and spurred waves several feet higher than usual. And the southerly swell that swept up the coast over the weekend is just the forerunner to a larger one headed up the coast later this week, officials warned.

Two swimmers died in the past week as Eugene developed off the Mexican coast. Erick Herrera, a 29-year-old Long Beach resident, died Sunday after he was pulled from the ocean by a friend near Golden Cove. And Christopher Elton, 27, went missing while swimming near Trump National Golf Club July 3 and was found dead the next day.

Beachgoers are warned to be especially cautious this week. The southerly swell is the precursor of a swell thats going to get even bigger Tuesday through Wednesday of this week, said David Sweet, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

READ: Weather: Temperatures break records in Southern California; now, you can expect a short break

Eugene weakened Sunday and the National Hurricane Center projects it will be downgraded to a tropical storm by Tuesday, but it still makes for some choppy waters, Sweet said.

Normally, beaches like those off the Palos Verdes Peninsula would see surf heights of between one and four feet, Sweet said. Over the weekend, that jumped to between three and five feet, and it will likely increase again to between five and eight feet before the end of the week.

Combine that with record-breaking temperatures like the ones that baked the region over the weekend, and its a recipe for more people in the water when they shouldnt be, said Spencer Parker, an ocean lifeguard specialist for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

You can have hazardous conditions, but if its an ugly day, youre just not going to have that many people at the beach, he said.

After days of record-setting heat, the swelter eased up a bit Monday, with highs hitting 95 in Corona, Woodland Hills and Pasadena, 90 in Burbank and only 85 in Los Angeles. Seaside visitors enjoyed temperatures a tick below 80 in Long Beach, Torrance and Redondo Beach.

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Temperatures were expected to drop several degrees Tuesday before temperatures start climbing anew.

Just shy of 600 people were rescued on beaches around Los Angeles County during the weekend.

The area off the Palos Verdes Peninsula coast poses a particular problem, in part because the area is prone to strong currents even without the pumped-up swell from a storm to the south, Parker said.

Its a pretty dynamic part of the coast right there, with sand, rocks, gorges (and) underwater caves, so theres a lot of different currents going on there, he said.

The beaches also tend to be at the base of steep cliffs, which pose an access issue for rescuers. Many areas arent monitored by lifeguards, he said.

Parker and Sweet recommended simply staying out of the water until the swell from Hurricane Eugene has passed.

Parker recommended beachgoers who insist on getting wet use waters near an open lifeguard tower and make a point to check the forecast before hitting the waves.

And, if you do find yourself in trouble in the water, Parker advised remaining calm while shouting and waving for help.

Or, if you think you can make it back on your own, Parker said, swim parallel to the beach to get out of the current before swimming toward the beach.

Read the rest here:

High waves, dangerous currents feared off Southern California ... - The Daily Breeze

WILDWOOD The city has spent the last few years finding ways to make better use, and a profit, from its expansive beaches.

Kite-flying festivals, soccer tournaments, beach concerts and the Race of Gentlemen, an antique-car race that pays homage to Americas hot-rod history, are just a few ways the city has focused on marketing its beaches.

Soon, the city will add on-beach parking to the list.

Owners of four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles will have to wait a couple of more weeks before they can park on the beaches at Baker Avenue.

City commissioners unanimously adopted an ordinance to allow parking on the wide expanse, but implementation has been delayed due to bad weather and the need to make improvements to the beach access ramp at Baker Avenue, Commissioner Pete Byron said.

We cant control Mother Nature, Byron said. The Baker Avenue access ramp needs to be improved so that the access height is that of parking garages.

Once the upgrades are complete, visitors will be able to park on the sand, creating more spaces as well as revenue for the city, Byron said.

Brigantine started parking on the beach in 2007 and in 2014 made more than $600,000, Byron said. And for taxpayers, that would equal approximately 4 cents in tax savings per $100 of assessed value.

The daily cost for parking in Wildwood will be $10, with special-event parking costing $20. It will be limited to four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles, Byron said.

For a city that doesnt charge visitors to use its beaches, Wildwood has come up with some interesting ways to generate revenue. Besides the monster trucks, motorcycle races and concerts, the city has tried to turn some of its sand into a park for recreational vehicles. Not all the ideas were hits, but the city keeps trying.

At more than a quarter-mile wide at some points, theres ample room to experiment.

The city has made other improvements to its beaches, including moving the dog beach from Juniper Avenue to Glenwood Avenue, where it has a larger run area with toys and obstacles, Byron said.

Frankly, we outgrew the park, which took off more rapidly than I can imagine, and we need a bigger space, Byron said. So we moved it a couple of blocks south between Glenwood and Maple avenues.

If you like what you see today, wait until tomorrow, Byron added. We have something special in the works and hope to have it sometime mid-August.

The city also approved a surfing beach at Andrews Avenue.

The opportunity presented itself, and we wanted to bring more than surf lessons to the beach, said Tim Kaye, operator of Surftopia on the Andrews Avenue beach. The joy of surfing brings together so many different things and experiences, and we wanted to be able to share that here in Wildwood.

Surftopia offers surfboards and paddleboards for rent as well as food and refreshments.

Wildwood is a world-class beach, and we should have had a surfing beach a long time ago, Byron said.

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Wildwood keeps finding better uses for its beaches | Pac ... - Press of Atlantic City

by CRYSTAL BUI, NBC 10 NEWS

A danger is washing up on beach shores in Massachusetts -- an odd creature called the Portuguese "Man of War." (NBC 10 viewer photo/WJAR)

A danger is washing up on beach shores in Massachusetts -- an odd creature called the Portuguese "Man of War."

"My husband and just laughed because the name, said Vure Resendes.

But it was only until after the Fourth of July weekend that viewers sent NBC 10 News photos of the jelly-fish-like creature popping up.

Those in charge posted an 8-by-11-inch warning sign at Horseneck Beach in Westport, Massachusetts.

"I'm pretty aware of the signs that are here and today is the first time I've seen this sign, Ruth Silvernail said, adding that shes a regular on these shores. It would be very nervous, for me, and my sister to go into the water, when there's Portuguese man of war.

If touched, the man of war can deliver an extremely painful sting.

Don't want to ever take the chance of getting stung, said Silvernail.

But the caution sign is so subtle that until NBC 10 pointed it out, some people didn't even know they needed to pay closer attention to where they were walking.

It's a little bit nerve-wrecking, said Chris Bartczak. Definitely.

Their long, thin tendrils can extend 165 feet in length below the surface. Above water, in shallow areas, the tendrils can still extend 30 feet.

"There's a concern, said Resendes.

Although there's no way to completely avoid some of Mother Nature's predators, beachgoers wish they were told sooner.

"We don't want to frighten the patrons, but just to be aware that they are in the water and just be extra cautious, said Silvernail.

Link:

Portuguese man of wars washing up on New England beaches - Turn to 10

For me, summer vacation means spending time on a Maine pond where the sound of loons calling is about the most exciting thing that happens all day.

But I do venture occasionally from my little paradise to experience other things the state has to offer, whether it's the coast, a mountain hike, a whitewater adventure or a museum. Here are a few options.

The Shore

Maine's scenic coast has so many wonderful towns that you almost can't go wrong, but every spot has its own personality. Old Orchard Beach just outside Portland has a sandy beach, busy pier with food, drink and souvenirs, and an old-fashioned amusement park. You could also make a day of visiting Popham Beach State Park in Phippsburg in the morning (the wide sandy beach is great for kite-flying) and nearby Reid State Park in Georgetown in the afternoon (rocky outcroppings, tidal pools and a lagoon). In Rockland, the man-made Breakwater jetty lets you walk nearly a mile from the shore into Penobscot Bay, and a ferry runs across to Vinalhaven island, where it's worth spending the night. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park is another popular spot.

Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press

Nessa King of Wyndham, Maine, returns a shot while playing volleyball in at Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

Nessa King of Wyndham, Maine, returns a shot while playing volleyball in at Old Orchard Beach, Maine. (Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press)

Hiking

Acadia National Park and the gateway town of Bar Harbor are beautiful but very busy in summer. About 1.5 million people visited the park in July and August of 2016, so be prepared for traffic and crowded trails. For a lovely, doable alternative, consider a day in Camden, with a hike up Mount Battie. A poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, "Renascence," engraved on a plaque at the top, describes the stunning view, with references to "three long mountains and a wood" and "three islands in a bay."

For serious hikers, the Appalachian Trail runs through Maine , terminating atop Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park . Depending on your route and fitness level, a hike up and down Katahdin's steep, rocky trails could take 10 to 12 hours, which means you'll run out of daylight if you don't start early. Parking for Katahdin hikes is also limited and often gone by 8 a.m., so consider driving up the night before.

The new (and controversial) Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument doesn't offer many visitor services yet, but the National Park Service offers tips online for enjoying the area.

Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press

The Wassataquoik Stream flows through Township 3, Range 8, Maine, on land owned by environmentalist Roxanne Quimby, the co-founder of Burt's Bees.

The Wassataquoik Stream flows through Township 3, Range 8, Maine, on land owned by environmentalist Roxanne Quimby, the co-founder of Burt's Bees. (Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press)

Whitewater

Whitewater trips are available on several Maine rivers. My favorite outfitter is Moxie Outdoor Adventures, based in West Forks, which offers an all-day Kennebec River trip that's part paddling like crazy through Class IV rapids and part scenic wilderness float trip. Midday, boats are beached on an island where guides cook steak and chicken over a fire. On one trip, we even saw a moose en route to our launch spot. Warning: You will get soaked. Bring a quick-drying fleece to wear over a swimsuit and shoes (not flip-flops) to wear in the water.

Moose

You can find moose-watching tours on land and water. I've enjoyed sunset boat trips to see moose on Moosehead Lake, but as with any such excursion, there are no guarantees that you'll see the wildlife you came for. In rural and northern areas, moose present serious driving hazards, especially at dawn, dusk and after dark, so watch out (and be careful what you wish for).

For Kids

Portland Children's Museum is fun for a rainy day. Aquaboggan Water Park in Saco offers slides, wave pools and mini-golf. Old-fashioned fairs take place around the state all summer, featuring rides, games, farm animal displays and more. One friend told me his little girl's favorite Maine outing was chasing butterflies at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press

Shoppers pause at the giant boot outside the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport, Maine.

Shoppers pause at the giant boot outside the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport, Maine. (Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press)

Shopping

Freeport is home to dozens of outlet stores along with the flagship for L.L. Bean . Take your picture in front of the massive boot by the Bean entrance. Note for insomniacs: Bean's flagship is open 24/7.

The Arts

In Portland, visit Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's house (he wrote the poem "Paul Revere's Ride") or take a Stephen King tour of Bangor to see places that inspired his spooky tales. In Cushing, tour the Olson House where Andrew Wyeth painted "Christina's World" and see Wyeth paintings at Rockland's Farnsworth Museum . The Portland Museum of Art offers tours of painter Winslow Homer's waterfront studio and house on Prouts Neck. Music festivals abound as well, from classical to folk.

Boat Rides

Rent a kayak or canoe, or take a ferry, like the ones to Monhegan Island or from Portland to the islands of Casco Bay. There are fancy yachts, schooner rides and dinner cruises, along with lobster boats where you can watch a lobster trap being pulled in. Many port towns also offer nature boat rides. Just know that you could pay a lot of money to spend a few hours on the ocean and not see the whales, seals, eagles or puffins pictured in the brochure.

Seafood

Everybody has a favorite place for lobster rolls and chowder. Mine include the Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company in South Freeport and The Lobster Shack at the end of Two Lights Road in Cape Elizabeth.

Lodging

Take your pick: campsites, B&Bs, motels, hotels, even upscale resorts. Or rent a rustic cottage, what Mainers refer to as a "camp." If you're lucky enough to be on the water, sit back and listen for those loons.

Visit link:

A Maine Vacation: From Hiking And Beaches To Adventure And The Arts - Hartford Courant

BBC News

No lifeguards on half of England's bathing beaches BBC News The National Water Safety Forum said it was "impractical" for every beach to be covered. The absence of lifeguards was raised as a concern after the deaths of seven men at Camber Sands in 2016 but an inquest concluded they may have drowned anyway. and more »

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No lifeguards on half of England's bathing beaches - BBC News

DEWEY BEACH, Del. (AP) Derek Rowe has been driving for Uber for just six weeks, and in that short period, he has encountered a fistfight in his car, had an enthralling conversation with a disabled war vet and was asked to help spy on a man's girlfriend.

But business is booming at the beaches so far this season, making it all worth it.

This is my 191st trip in about six weeks, he said. I made a little over $2,000.

He wouldn't trade those experiences and money for a regular summer job while he's studying for the New York Bar exam and to become an NFL agent.

So after a long day of hitting the books, he gets in the car.

Around dinnertime and at night, I'll do a few hours driving, Rowe said. It helps pay the bills and save up a few extra bucks for when I hopefully pass the exams and help me get started on my next career. It's been a good experience so far, for sure.

Rowe is registered in Pennsylvania, which allows him to drive in New Jersey, Ohio and Delaware.

The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania native is a graduate of Bucknell and Duke Law. He is one of many people who use their own vehicles to earn money on a flexible schedule by working for the ride-sharing service.

As summer kicks into high gear in July, visitors pouring into the beaches are embracing ride-sharing services as a transportation option. The relatively inexpensive transport is preferable to walking in the hot sun, waiting for a bus, fighting heavy traffic and using expensive and hard-to-find parking.

I think that Uber is actually the greatest invention of the 21st century, said Long Island, New York native Nick Massimo. I'm not kidding.

Flexibility is a selling point, attracting drivers for these services at an astonishing rate. Unlike cab drivers, many of whom work full-time, Transportation Network Carrier drivers mainly made up of Uber and Lyft for now work when they want.

They're legally subcontractors, not employees. There are no supervisors, no bosses, and drivers can operate as much or as little as they wish.

But it doesn't quite mean the services are running wild without authority, despite some concern from legislators around the country.

The services use GPS to track each ride, said Uber spokesman Craig Ewer, and they also monitor drivers' speed and braking habits. Drivers who aren't meeting standards can have their driver accounts suspended.

Because TNCs are relatively new, they fall outside existing regulation applied to older forms of transportation. Taxi owners have complained across the country that they are under tougher restrictions than TNCs, which further hurts their ability to compete.

Part of Uber's success, in particular, is due to its ability to convince state governments that a uniform set of statewide regulations is more amenable to them than a patchwork of widely-varied local and municipal ordinances, Ewer said.

The company achieves this through dialogue and educational outreach to legislators.

It worked for them in Delaware and 39 other states, Ewer said. Former Gov. Jack Markell signed Senate Bill 262 into law in August 2016. The new law establishes clear regulations for TNCs and places DelDOT in charge of overseeing compliance. It also instructs DelDOT to meet with transportation stakeholders to find ways to level the playing field with TNCs, indicating that legislators are aware things aren't yet quite even.

Dewey Beach Mayor Dale Cooke and Rehoboth Beach Commissioner Paul Kuhns said that at this point they are not even sure how Uber and others are impacting local transportation services, trusting state officials to regulate as needed.

Carol Everhart, executive director of the Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber of Commerce, said she hasn't heard any complaints from transportation companies. She has not used TNCs but she has heard that many people, visitors and residents alike, consider them a convenient alternative to hunting for a parking space, always scarce in Rehoboth and Dewey at the height of the summer season.

She isn't taking sides in the issue, and welcomes any service that mitigates the limited parking issue.

There is still little clarity on the impact that services like Uber have had in Delaware.

According to a memo to the General Assembly from DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan dated May 30, the Delaware Transit Corporation Office of Public Carrier Regulation held a meeting with public transportation carriers on Feb. 1. Out of that meeting, Cohan said that taxi companies are still paying substantially more than TNCs per vehicle for insurance, fees and background checks.

Cohan noted that TNCs use third-party background services while Delaware uses state and federal agencies that are more effective.

But Ewer said Uber isn't in competition with other transportation carriers. He said there is room for everyone in the transportation pie, and that different types of services shouldn't necessarily be regulated identically.

He thinks older regulations should be revisited to consider new technologies and the needs of users and drivers.

But one Dewey Beach taxi driver said he is feeling the grind.

It's running taxi businesses into the ground, said Aviy, a manager/driver for Dewey Beach Taxi, who refused to give his last name.

You come to Dewey Beach and all you see is Ubers parked outside just waiting for the people, he said.

While it's unclear what exactly the future holds for services like Uber and Lyft, beachgoers are certainly hopping in the back seat.

Jessica Zweigbaum and Massimo, who are in their 20s and from Long Island, New York, are new converts.

We love it, yeah, Zweigbaum said.

Uber drivers are all cool, they're all nice, they all speak English, Massimo said recently in Dewey Beach. It's their car, so they take care of it, so it's very good. Very, very convenient. I never used it until we were on vacation here for our senior trip for our school, and this is the first time I ever used it.

We rented out a house a couple miles away, and whenever we come (to the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk) or to go eat anywhere, we take an Uber now.

But people used to other forms of public transport might be a harder sell.

Teresa and Brian Dunbar, who are in their 40s and from Gainesville, Virginia, have used Uber occasionally after Brian found himself in a bind.

I left my car key on the train one day, Brian said.

He still uses taxis to get to and from airports, but says he now prefers Uber.

More convenient, better experience, he said.

At least for Rowe, it is all about giving his passengers that kind of experience. When he picks them up in his late model Acura, he offers amenities.

I always have a phone charger, especially down here at the beach, he said. You get people who go out in groups of four, and somebody always needs one. It helps the ratings.

He also carries bottled water and an auxiliary cable so that riders can play their own music through the car speakers if they want.

Watching the ratings is key with Uber, where passengers and drivers rate each other on a five-star system, plus extra points given to drivers for things like music, conversation, snacks or extra assistance.

When they request you, they see your rating and sometimes when riders are 50-50 about canceling a ride or waiting it out, if the driver has a good rating they'll stick around, Rowe said. That stuff's pretty important. It's like anything in life whoever you're serving or working for, you try to take care of their needs and make it as pleasant for them as possible.

Not every ride has been pleasant for Rowe, including the one that ended in a fistfight and the one where he was asked to help spy on a man's possibly unfaithful girlfriend.

But overall, Rowe wouldn't trade it for another job right now.

I started doing it and realized I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, just talking to different people, Rowe said. You kind of hear about all the negative stuff going on in the world, but it always seems like everyone I talk to, we tend to have a good conversation, and you meet people from all over the place at different points in their life; it's kind of nice. I've definitely enjoyed doing it.

Twitter: @seanjwelsh

Email: sjwelsh@baltsun.com

Excerpt from:

Uber business booming at Delaware beaches - Baltimore Sun

News & Observer

Taking your dog on vacation? Here are the North Carolina beaches where they're welcome News & Observer Many beaches have strict leash laws (like those common inland) and require you to clean up after your pet (again, the same as inland), so don't be inconsiderate: pack a leash and some bags. Some places allow dogs off-leash, while others require leashed ...

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Taking your dog on vacation? Here are the North Carolina beaches where they're welcome - News & Observer

Ventura Countys largest city is a coastal town where miles of power plants, vast tracts of farmland and private oil and gas holdings limit access to the shore.

At Ormond Beach, 750,000 cubic yards of contaminated slag from a former metal recycling plant occupy part of the wetlands. The federal Superfund site stands between the sand and families who live just a few blocks away.

At the north end of the city, McGrath State Beach has been closed to the public since 2014, and an electrical generating station one of three gas-fired plants on the Oxnard coast is a towering eyesore and a source of air pollution above the shoreline. A fourth is planned.

Many residents of this predominantly Latino city with a population of 205,000 say they are fed up with the degradation. Their growing dissatisfaction with the condition of large sections of beach has coalesced into an effort to deindustrialize and restore the shoreline of this city that is framed by Ventura and Camarillo and wraps around the town of Port Hueneme.

We just want to stop the abuse and get our coast back, said Mayor Pro Tem Carmen Ramirez. Its clear who gets stuck with all the dirty stuff. What other city has three power plants and a Superfund site on the beach? The people of Oxnard have paid their dues.

Since the mid-2000s, activists, community groups and elected officials have defeated an offshore liquefied natural gas facility and successfully pushed the federal government to declare the Ormond Beach mess a Superfund site.

The City Council passed a moratorium to stop new power plant construction on the beach, and municipal officials are revising Oxnards key planning documents to eliminate industrial uses on the coast in the future.

More recently, community groups and city leaders have joined with environmentalists and alternative energy advocates, such as hedge-fund billionaire Tom Steyer, to block construction of the Puente Power Project, a new gas-fired electrical generating station at Mandalay Beach.

Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times

Irma J. Lopez, left, and her husband, Manuel M. Lopez, have been fighting since 1977 to deindustrialize the Oxnard coastline.

Irma J. Lopez, left, and her husband, Manuel M. Lopez, have been fighting since 1977 to deindustrialize the Oxnard coastline. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

A lot of decisions were made many, many years ago, and what was deemed OK then is not OK today, said Manuel Manny Lopez, 90, a retired optometrist and longtime Oxnard councilman turned environmental activist. We used to think the beach was a good place for industry. But people are more sophisticated now. There is more public support for these places.

The increasing activism and changing attitudes about the Oxnard coast also reflect a growing movement concerned that low-income, minority communities across the nation often bear a disproportionate amount of harmful pollution from industrial development.

The population of Oxnard is about 75% Latino, 7.5% Asian, 2.4% African American and 1% Pacific Islander. The per capita income is less than $20,000 a year, and nearly half of all adults have less than a high school education.

The city ranks in the top 20% of the most environmentally burdened communities in the state, with some parts ranking within the top 10%, according to the California Environmental Protection Agency.

Statistics from the California Department of Public Health further indicate that Oxnard, which is known for its agricultural production, has more students attending school near the highest levels of toxic pesticide use in the state.

Reclaiming the coast is an environmental justice issue in terms of exposure to pollutants and getting access to a beautiful natural resource, said Maricela Morales, executive director of the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy. People here are exposed to dust and pesticides from farming as well as emissions from power plants and other industrial sources.

Allegations of unfair treatment of the areas poor residents and people of color have been raised in the ongoing controversy over whether to build the $250-million Puente Power Project, a replacement for two aging and obsolete generating stations located on 36 acres in the coastal dunes and wetlands of Mandalay Beach.

Southern California Edison owns the site, and Houston-based NRG Energy would build, own and operate the plant, which is unaffected by the citys moratorium. The old units and stacks would be removed if Puente goes into operation in the next few years.

The natural gas plant is designed to provide extra electricity if needed during peak demand times, such as cold snaps and heat waves.

NRG Energy and its supporters say the new facility would provide a reliable and efficient source of power with lower emissions than the old plants. According to NRG, Puente could start up in 10 minutes compared with as long as 18 hours for the old units.

Nancy Lindholm, president and chief executive of the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce, said the organization supports pristine beaches and renewable energy sources, but there are no practical alternatives yet to the Puente plant.

In the meantime, we have got to have electricity, Lindholm said. Will it be an environmental justice issue if we have no power for an extended period of time?

The opponents, including community groups, environmental organizations and elected officials, contend there is excess electrical generating capacity in the state today and that alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar power, can be employed instead of Puente.

They point out that the state has set a goal to have renewable energy sources produce half of Californias electricity by 2030.

As the debate unfolded, the California Coastal Commission recommended that NRG Energy consider locations away from the beach and wetlands on- or off-site. If there are no feasible spots, the planning agency advised NRG to protect the generating station from sea level rise, create ways to access the beach and preserve plant and animal habitat.

In March, the Sierra Club, Communities for a Better Environment and the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy filed an appeal in state court, alleging that the California Public Utilities Commission in its earlier approval of the Puente project did not ensure that Edison complied with state requirements to protect against the disparate treatment of low-income minority neighborhoods that are overburdened with environmental effects.

The utilities commission has claimed that Edisons solicitation and procurement of the Puente power plant met all legal requirements and that consideration of disparate treatment of people in surrounding areas was not required in this situation.

Last month, the California Energy Commission, which is considering the Puente project for approval, ordered a study of alternative energy sources over the objections of NRG Energy. Company officials contend that no additional feasible and cost-effective options have been identified.

Meanwhile, Oxnard city officials, the State Coastal Conservancy and the Nature Conservancy are stepping up plans to restore the Ormond Beach wetlands south of Port Hueneme.

Over many decades, the wetlands have been drained and filled to accommodate a naval air station, farms, marinas, a city dump, a power plant and a metal recycling company that became a federal Superfund site.

Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times

The Ormond Beach generating station is visible behind the former Halaco Engineering Company site that is now a Superfund site at the Ormond Beach wetlands in Oxnard.

The Ormond Beach generating station is visible behind the former Halaco Engineering Company site that is now a Superfund site at the Ormond Beach wetlands in Oxnard. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

During the 1990s, environmental groups started working with city officials, area residents and landowners at Ormond to eliminate lots on the beach and consider how to restore the wetlands.

They completed a feasibility study in 2009, but work proceeded slowly. The first public meeting to discuss ideas and potential plans was held June 20 of this year.

We are just getting started, said Christopher Kroll, a Coastal Conservancy official who manages the restoration project. The feasibility study is now outdated. It does not account for climate change and sea level rise. We need to rethink where we are going.

Of the wetlands original 1,100 acres, about 250 remain, including intact dunes and marshes. They are home to about 200 migratory birds and six endangered and threatened species.

The remaining wetlands, however, continue to be degraded by human use, the dumping of refuse, contaminated runoff and abnormally high levels of salinity due to a lack of flushing by the ocean.

My family never said Lets go to the wetlands, recalled Elma del Aquila, 18, a recent graduate of Channel Islands High School in Oxnard and an opponent of the Puente project. Ive seen dead chickens dumped at Ormond, trash and tires. It almost makes you feel guilty as a human being when people do this.

A major hurdle for the restoration project is the Superfund site. From 1964 to 2004, the now-defunct Halaco Engineering Co. operated a smelting plant on 37 acres to recover valuable metals for recycling.

More than 750,000 cubic yards of slag remain on-site either buried or in giant unlined settling ponds. Some of the waste has contaminated the groundwater and sediment in the Ormond wetland.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials say they are exploring whether the leftover slag can be used and preparing a clean-up plan that is scheduled for public comment in 2018.

Large tracts of agricultural land and another electrical power plant operated by NRG block most public access to Ormond Beach and the wetlands. Only two roads connect inland streets to pathways leading to the beach, and theres a two-mile gap between them.

But one of them, Perkins Road, may be more of a deterrent to the sand than an attractive portal. As it nears Ormond, there is a municipal sewage treatment plant, a water purification facility, a manufacturer of paper products and finally the abandoned Halaco site, where homeless people have set up encampments and graffiti mars a several hundred yards-long block wall.

Neighborhoods here are cut off from the coast by industrial properties, said Lucas Zucker, a spokesman for the Central Coast Alliance. There are kids who live just a few blocks away and have never been to the beach.

Its easier to get to the stretches of Oxnard beach just north of Point Hueneme, on either side of the Channel Islands Harbor. But access gets tricky again above Mandalay State Beach, with only one unmarked route providing a way to reach a long swath of sandy beach and dunes south of the Santa Clara River.

Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times

A homeless encampment has taken over the former Halaco Engineering Co. property, now a Superfund site in Oxnard.

A homeless encampment has taken over the former Halaco Engineering Co. property, now a Superfund site in Oxnard. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

McGrath State Beach, which authorities closed three years ago after the river repeatedly flooded, still allows no public access. The once popular park is one of the best bird-watching areas in California with lush riverbanks and sand dunes along the shore.

Danita Rodriguez, a state park superintendent for the region, said plans to restore and reopen the facility are at a very early stage.

On the municipal level, Oxnard officials are updating the citys general plan and coastal program the main planning document to guide future land uses and development along the coast. Local coastal programs are required by the Coastal Act of 1976 and approved by the Coastal Commission.

Carmen Ramirez, the mayor pro tem, said the update will consider zoning changes, locating future industrial uses inland and addressing potential sea level rise. In 2016, amid the Puente controversy, the City Council amended its general plan to prohibit new power plants from being built in environmentally sensitive areas of the coast.

The Coastal Commission provided the city with a $150,000 grant to help pay for the local coastal program work. NRG Energy, however, asked the commission to withdraw the grant, saying Oxnard was misusing the money by proposing changes to its local coastal program that would hamper operations at its Ormond Beach and Mandalay power plants as well as efforts to build the Puente project.

The company called the amendments a targeted attack on NRG.

Commission officials responded that the grant was not being misappropriated because the money was allocated to work on methods to deal with sea level rise.

City officials predict that the overall effort to reclaim Oxnards industrialized coastline and improve public access will take decades.

When completed, they say, the result will probably be more attractive beaches and more visitors. Property values could increase as well as rents and home prices in the coastal areas. More affluent residents might move in and drive out lower-income residents, many of whom have lived there for generations.

Once we get it all cleaned up, we will likely have a gentrification fight, said Morales, director of the Central Coastal Alliance. That is something we dont want.

dan.weikel@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @LADeadline16

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Oxnard residents are fighting slag heaps, power plants and oil fields that mar the town's beaches - Los Angeles Times

There are so many rides, attractions, and events to enjoy at The Beach! Take fun to new heights as you soar high above the wave pool on our ZIP LINE! Check out the kids play areas like Big Creek Beach or enjoy a refreshing cocktail and live music on one of our ever-popular Reggae Sunday afternoons. And of course, theres the heated wave pool, refurbished slides and attractions, swimming lessons, group rates, fabulous birthday party packages, an indoor arcade, and so much more! We also have cabanas to make it easier to relax and enjoy a day at The Beach.

The Beach Waterpark is UNIQUE! Situated on 35 acres of rolling wooded terrain, The Beach has lots of shade and lush ambiance. At the park, youll enjoy live palm trees, white ocean sands, waterfalls, and crashing waves. A tropical island adventure awaits youyes, even right here in Cincinnati!

Check out the waterpark schedule for operating days and times here! To find out about the special events and activities planned for the 2017 season, visit our Facebook Page or sign up for our newsletter. Youll receive the best offers as soon as they come out!

Whether you are a child or just a child at heart, The Beach has something for everyone to enjoy. So get your cool on, and Come to The Beach!

Click HERE to watch the action live at The Beach!

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Home | The Beach Waterpark | Mason, Ohio

One of the most delightful parts of summer in Northeast Ohio is the number of sand beaches that dot the Lake Erie shore, from Sandusky to Ashtabula. Facilities vary at each location. Find out more about these summer fun spots.

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A 300-foot expanse of sand greets visitors to this family-friendly and scenic beach. Lifeguards are on duty. Other park facilities include a marina, a lodge, hiking and biking trails, picnic tables, and camping facilities.

Geneva State Park 4499 Padanarum Rd. Geneva, OH 44041 440 466-8400

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This family beach, east of Cleveland includes a 20-acre park, a lighthouse, and a marine museum as well as picnic facilities, food concessions, restrooms, and canoe rentals.

Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park 301 Huntington Rd. Fairport Harbor, OH 440 354-4825

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This scenic lakefront park in the heart of Cleveland features a 900-foot wide stretch of sandy, swimming beach as well as two picnic pavilions, a kids' playground, and one of the best views of downtown Cleveland. It's also a great place to watch the 4th of July fireworks over Voinovich Park. Edgewater State Park 6700 Memorial Shoreway Cleveland, OH 216 881-8141

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The east side of the Cedar Point peninsula features one of the best beaches on Lake Erie. The well-manicured stretch of white sand features resort hotels, a beach volleyball court, a beachside TGI Fridays restaurant...all just steps away from the rides and thrills of Cedar Point.

Cedar Point One Cedar Point Dr. Sandusky, OH 419 627-2350

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Located at Marblehead, just east of Sandusky, this park features one of the nicest beaches on Lake Erie. The 1,500-foot stretch of white sand draws visitors from all over the state and beyond. Facilities include a marina, picnic tables, a concession stand, camping, and hiking trails.

East Harbor State Park 1169 N. Buck Rd. Lakeside-Marblehead, OH 43440 (419) 734-4424

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Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor is home to the largest natural sand beach in Ohio. The lighthouse at the end of the beach adds an extra scenic touch to the site. Facilities include picnic tables, concessions, and lots of restrooms.

Headlands Beach State Park 9601 Headlands Rd. Mentor, OH 440 466-8400

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Euclid Beach Park was once the area's most beloved amusement parks and the original gate still welcomes visitors to the park. The rides are gone now, but this eastside Lake Erie beach features a 650-foot stretch of white sand, a boardwalk, an observation pier, and a large picnic area.

Euclid Beach/ Villa Angela State Park 16301 Lakeshore Blvd. Cleveland, OH 216 881-8141

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Madison Township Park, located at the north end of Hubbard Road (route 528), is a 12-acre park with a beautiful stretch of white sand, a boat launch, a large pavilion and volleyball and basketball courts.

Township Park 6717 Lake Rd. Madison, OH

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Located in Bay Village, just west of Cleveland, this is one of the Cleveland Metropark's oldest reservations. The popular beach sits below a bluff with a great expanse of lawn, picnic facilities, and the fascinating Baycrafters store across Lake Rd. Fishing is available from the Lake Erie breakwall.

Huntington Beach Park Lake Rd. Bay Village, OH 216 351-6300

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Walnut Beach, located near the Harbor in Ashtabula, is a city-owned park with a wildlife preserve, a swimming beach, a playground, and volleyball courts. During the summer months, the park hosts a variety of festivals, free concerts, and other events. The park is the site of the city's "Wine and Walleye Festival."

Walnut Beach Park Walnut Blvd. Ashtabula, OH

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Located in Conneaut, near the Pennsylvania/Ohio state line, the 60-acre Conneaut Township Park features nearly a half-mile of white sand Lake Erie beach. The park features picnic facilities, scenic dunes and the picturesque Conneaut Harbor Lighthouse. Other facilities include a playground, a gazebo and food concessions.

Conneaut Township Park 480 Lake Road (SR531) Conneaut, OH

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The 677-acre Kelleys Island State Park, located in the heart of Ohio's Lake Erie islands, offers a 100-foot public white sand beach. The beach here is more friendly to sun-bathers and swimmers than those on nearby South Bass Island, which tend to be rocky. Other facilities at the park include camping and yurt rentals, boat rentals, fishing, hiking trails and picnic facilities.

Kelleys IslandState Park 920 Division Street Kelleys Island, OH 43438 419 746-2546

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Part of the Cleveland Lakefront Park System, the 18.9-acre Euclid Beach occupies the site of the former Euclid Beach Amusement Park, which closed in 1969. The white sand beach connects with the adjacent Villa Angela beach to form more than one-half mile of walkable sand. Facilities at Euclid Beach include picnic tables, a playground, hiking trails, food concessions and fishing.

Euclid Beach Lake Shore Boulevard just east of E 156th St. Cleveland, OH

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Cleveland and Northeast Ohio's Lake Erie Beaches

The title of last weeks editorial Safety Is Top Priority For Lifeguards was neither news nor clarification. We all agree that preventing drowning during our eight-week beach season is the most important part of the Beach Departments mission.

The Falmouth Beach Departments mission statement can be found online. It reads in part ...assuring that a trip to Falmouths beaches is a pleasant, enjoyable and safe experience.

More than water safety alone is required for a pleasant, safe and enjoyable experience. The beach department actively ignores several other critical duties, including maintaining a clean beach, preventing smoking, preventing consumption of alcohol and preventing beachgoers from being struck by projectiles. Prior beach departments used to do all this. The current beach leadership chooses to remain uninvolved.

As pointed out in last weeks editorial, lifeguards should not enforce these rules. We take no issue with what is and what isnt in the lifeguards job description. We continue to take issue with the beach departments ongoing neglect of its own stated mission.

To promote a pleasant, safe and enjoyable beach experience, the Falmouth Heights-Maravista Neighborhood Association has, for years, requested that a beach monitor position be added. An ambassador of Falmouth. A mature individual with a Beach Monitor T-shirt and friendly Beach Monitor ball cap. Someone who walks the beach, netting the odd piece of trash, engaging with beachgoers and, if necessary, blowing the occasional whistle at the participants of activities more suitable for a playground or back yard.

FHMNA has repeatedly asked for a one-year beach monitor trial, and we have offered to pay the salary of this individual. Nationwide, hundreds of other beach departments have beach patrols and/or beach monitors, specifically purposed with ensuring comfort and safety of all beachgoers. Those in charge of our beaches have consistently refused.

The current policy of omission causes beachgoers to dodge footballs, watch out for Frisbees, breathe tobacco smoke and be displaced by the intoxicated.

This is an ongoing disservice to the thousands of beachgoing Falmouth residents and guests deserving of a pleasant, enjoyable and safe experience.

Howard B. Grosser, President, Falmouth Heights-Maravista Neighborhood Association

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Everyone Entitled To Pleasant Beaches - Letter - CapeNews.net

We all know Cornwall has the best beaches. Now it has scored no fewer than four of them out of the top 10 in the country after a new list was announced.

The travel website TripAdvisor has released the results of a survey. It ran a poll of people who use its site and out of the top 10, two were even in one Cornish town - St Ives.

There's even one that makes the grade in Devon.

Read more: 29 free things to do in Cornwall to entertain the family on a budget

Cornwall's entries are Fistral Beach in Newquay, Porthmeor and Porthminster Beach in St Ives and Perranporth Beach.

Here's the full list.

Woolacombe holds the 'England for Excellence Gold Award' for best family resort and was the winner of TripAdvisor's best beaches in Britain award for 2016.

The resort between Morte Point and Baggy Point has a three-mile stretch of golden sand is renowned for its cleanliness, water quality and local activities - including traditional family pubs.

Lifeguards ensure safe family swimming during the summer and surfers come from all over the country to enjoy the great waves and clean water.

Read more: The best mouthwatering Cornwall beach feasts and summer pop-up dining events

Weymouth Beach is also three miles long and just minutes from thetown centre and historic harbour.

There's plenty of entertainment to embrace from traditional attractions such as Punch & Judy and donkey rides, to lively events such as beach volleyball championships, live music and free summer firework displays.

You can also enjoy a stroll along the level promenade or on the sands with your dog during the quieter months, take part in the Christmas "Chase the Pudding" race or just relax in the sunshine on a summers day.

Read more: Man collects 35 bags of trash from Cornish beach and turns it into art display at museum

Head to beautiful St Brelade's Bay for classic Jersey sunbathing or explore a little further to discover your own sheltered hideaway at coves like Beauport and Portelet.

A real suntrap on the south coast, once you've trekked down the steep path from the car park and crossed the pebbles, you'll reach a sheltered south-facing beach with golden sand and shallow turquoise water, ideal for swimming.

Breathtaking Rhossili bay, with its three-mile sandy beach - are we sensing a theme here? - is overlooked by the Old Rectory, the most popular National Trust holiday cottage. Visible on the beach at low tide are the remains of the Helvetia, a ship wrecked in 1887.

From the top of Rhossili Down, the highest point on Gower, views of the peninsula can be seen as well as across the sea to West Wales, Lundy Island and the north Devon coast. The south Gower coast hosts many rare plants and birds including yellow whitlow grass and choughs.

Read more: Start a new life in Cornwall with these coastal commercial opportunities

St Ives is considered to be the 'jewel of the South West' and the sandy shoreline of Porthmeor is a haven for surfers and a firm favourite with families looking for a fun day out by the sea.

Situated in the shadow of the iconic Tate St Ives building, sandy Porthmeor is popular with surfers and swimmers alike in an ideal location just a stones' throw from the centre of St Ives where you'll find ancient pubs, trendy cafes and art galleries.

Fistral Beach in Newquay is one of the most visited surfing beaches in the UK and Europe.

Fistral is the perfect family beach offering simple pleasures of sea and surf combined with first class beach and seafront facilities - and a view to match. It is one of three gorgeous beaches in the town, whose shores have long been a Mecca for surfing.

Read more: Cornwall film fans to get unique chance to watch JAWS on the water at Penzance's Jubilee Pool

This crescent of golden sand, framed by a glittering bay, has glorious views across to Godrevy Lighthouse, and provided inspiration for Virginia Woolf's famous novel To the Lighthouse.

With the benefit of the mildest climate in the UK along with waving palm trees and translucent waters, there is a definite tropical feel to this gem.

Photo by Ross Hoddinott.

It's the golden beach staycationers rave about and billed as a great place for surfing, snorkelling, sailing and generally splashing around. Perranporth Beach is easily accessible which is ideal if you've got young ones in tow - just put down your beach towels and relax.

The famous beach bar, The Watering Hole, is the only one of its kind in the UK and serves snacks and drinks throughout the main holiday seasons.

Read more: These are the best beaches in Cornwall to enjoy a barbecue right now

Hengistbury Head is a relatively unspoilt and south-facing pebble beach in sunny Bournemouth, decorated with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs.

As well as a famed geological hotspot known for its archaeology, Henhistbury is also widely visited for its outstanding wildlife and grassland habitats.

Lukentyre sands is found on the west coast of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides.

One of the largest and most spectacular beaches on Harris, Lukentyre sands boasts miles of whilte sand and stunning green-blue water.

Stunning scenery includes wonderful sand dunes and the island of Taransay, famous for being the setting of the BBC's Castaway. Nearby activities include hillwalking, cycling and much more.

Read more: See all the latest Cornwall news here

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Four of Britain's top 10 beaches are in Cornwall with two in one town - Cornwall Live