A friend of mine recently asked me where the most kid-friendly beach (with a lifeguard) was and I directed her to Gin Beach off East Lake Drive. It’s on the Sound Side so much calmer waters. Other bonuses are Gin Beach Market and the public restrooms. You do need a beach pass.
If you’re children are good, strong swimmers and like to boogie board, just make sure you stay within the life guard zones specified by the ropes, signs and flags.
It’s also important to know what the different colored flags mean: (Please note: I asked Senior and Seasoned Life Guard, Dick Monahan, about the purple flag because I had never seen one out here in 20 years and he said they do not use that here. People are very seldomly called out of the waters here because of dangerous marine life.)
If you are not yet familiar with the work of Suse Lowenstein and her sculpture, Dark Elegy, currently in Montauk, please read on. Sometimes being a parent or caregiver is bittersweet as we must deal with the realities of what this world gives and sometimes takes from us.
In August, when the ocean beaches fill up it is a perfect time to head down East Lake Drive to Gin Beach. Gin Beach offers all of the amenities one could want without the crowds! Lifeguards are on duty from 10am -5 pm, there are bathrooms and showers and a good size parking lot. The beach is wide and long with water from the Block Island Sound which is calmer than the ocean with some movement more from the boats.
Friday, June 12th
