HAMPTON — After two rare incidents of gunfire on Ocean Boulevard in June, Hampton officials are stepping up security measures to ensure a safe and family-friendly Fourth of July at Hampton Beach.
Hampton Beach, a popular summer destination for generations, was shaken by back-to-back shootings on June 5 and June 24, both involving individuals from outside the community. Arrests were made within hours, and the cases are now moving through New Hampshire courts.
Hampton Police Chief Alex Reno said this week that the recent violence will result in a heightened police presence at Hampton Beach over the holiday weekend.
“We are working diligently to provide a safe environment,” Reno said. “We’d like everyone to let us worry about that while they enjoy everything Hampton Beach has to offer.”
Reno said the bulk of the beach’s history with abnormal issues such as those that took place last month, usually happen in May and June during the first few hot days of the season. These incidents stop, he said, “almost like someone throws a switch,” once the prime summer vacation months of July and August hit.
For example, he said, the day after the shooting incident, the Hampton Beach Village District had its first fireworks display of the summer, and all went well.
“We had a decent crowd, a friendly crowd and everyone enjoyed themselves,” Reno said of the event. “There were no problems.”
Reno said on the Fourth of July, when as many as 150,000 people can descend on local roads and beaches, Hampton police traditionally ramp up coverage. This year is no exception, he said, and visitors will notice cruisers and officers from different communities on hand helping out.
“We always staff up significantly on the Fourth of July with additional public safety resources, including officers from other agencies and with other state assets,” Reno said. “We have also increased our tactical response operators.”
To lessen the traffic problem experienced annually, Reno said, Hampton police are working with the police departments in Seabrook and Salisbury, Massachusetts, to put into effect strategies to reduce “the log jams” that occur when tens of thousands of vehicles try to get in and out of the region.
His department also has a plan to relieve “a couple of traffic pinch points,” he said, and will be deploying officers to help coordinate better traffic flow.
When it comes to getting people in and out of the beach center after Wednesday’s and Friday’s fireworks display, Hampton PD will set up a specific traffic pattern, which should be followed and not skirted, Reno said.
“We’ll set up water barrels on the roads for after the fireworks to keep vehicles going in the direction we want them to go, along with variable message boards,” Reno said. “Our advice on the best and quickest way out of the beach after the fireworks is to follow the signs and not try to detour around them or take your own routes off the beach. That will only take longer and cause problems.”
With decades of experience as an officer in Hampton, Reno said Hampton Beach is a place where lots of families come to vacation. He said that tradition is one he expects to continue.
“We want families to come here and have a good time in a safe environment,” Reno said. “We’re working hard to ensure that.”
Fire Chief Mike McMahon expects a busy holiday week since the Fourth of July falls on a Friday this year, and the department is making every effort to be where needed to keep people safe.
“We’ll staff all three of our ambulances and fully staff our ladder truck for the Fourth,” McMahon said. “And we’ll stage an engine at the south end of the beach. It makes getting a run to that area even quicker.”
State ramps up highway and waterway patrols for holiday weekend
According to Tyler Dumont, spokesman for the New Hampshire Department of Safety, state troopers will have a strong presence in Hampton Beach and other popular tourist destinations throughout the holiday weekend. Additionally, he said, a dozen communities in the Seacoast region have received grants from the Office of Highway Safety to underwrite the cost of additional patrols meant to keep Granite State roadways safe.
Statewide, state police will conduct high-visibility enforcement efforts across high-traffic corridors and tourist routes on interstates, local roads, and waterways to deter and detect impaired operators and reckless behaviors, according to NHSP Colonel Mark B. Hall.
“The state police have zero tolerance for drivers and boaters who unlawfully endanger the safety of others,” Hall said. “This Fourth of July week, troopers and Marine Patrol officers will be out in full force. We encourage everyone to plan ahead for safe celebrations.”
State troopers will participate in patrol efforts targeting impairment, speeding, distracted and other dangerous driving behaviors.
Additionally, the state’s Marine Patrol will have additional officers and resources in coastal areas and on lakes and rivers throughout the Granite State, looking for impaired boating violations, life jacket compliance, and safe navigation practices.
Marine Patrol reminds boaters that while watching fireworks from boats, all vessels must display navigational lights between sunset and sunrise, including proper lighting.
Lifeguards urge swimmers to play it safe this holiday weekend
Hampton Beach Chief Lifeguard Patrick Murphy said the beach will have full coverage of guards over the holiday weekend, and before entering the water, swimmers should take a few precautions. First, Murphy said it’s always a good idea to check ocean conditions with one of Hampton Beach’s certified ocean lifeguards, such as water temperatures or the presence and prevalence of rip currents or jellyfish in the area.
Murphy said beachgoers should swim near a lifeguard, especially when kids are involved. Parents should advise children that the lifeguards are their friends and to look for guards if they get lost or separated from their group.
Hampton’s waters have experienced rip currents in recent years, which relate to strong currents that can develop quickly when the ocean reacts to the contours along the sea floor, which changes constantly. Rip currents can come about quickly and, as in a flash rip current, last for 30 seconds or a minute or two.
Local lifeguards are familiar with the seas along the coastline they patrol and can recognize the conditions that lead to rip currents, spotting them when they occur. That’s why Murphy recommends beachgoers, especially those with children, take a minute to consult with the men and women on duty at the state beaches before jumping in the water. Lifeguards can offer alerts on any problematic areas that day and suggest safe places for children to swim.
Murphy also recommends adults go out in the ocean no farther than chest deep.
“We only allow chest-deep bathing at Hampton Beach,” Murphy said. “That’s why you’ll hear us whistle to call people in if they’ve gone out too far. They need to be able to touch bottom.”