Concerned with social distancing, coastal cities and towns brace for beach crowds as weather warms up

SALISBURY, Mass. — Cities and towns up and down the coast are bracing for beach crowds at the same time they are trying to make sure everyone keeps their distance and follows safety protocols.

In New Hampshire, the line in the sand is before you even get to the beach.

“I’ve never been told I can’t go to the beach, so it is definitely different," said Danielle Boucher, of Seabrook NH.

But the empty New Hampshire beaches were open and full down the street across the state line in Salisbury, Massachusetts.

“It’s definitely frustrating, the weather is going to be super nice this weekend,” said Cooper Anibel, of Seabrook NH.

From Sky 25 you could see people spaced out along Boston’s North Shore. To limit crowds, some areas are restricting parking, doing beach reservations or restricting beaches to locals only.

Gloucester is only allowing their residents at Good Harbor Beach. Salisbury has not residency restrictions.

“We’re just hoping people will maintain the common sense social distancing," said Salisbury Police Sargent Jim Leavitt.

Salisbury has health monitors on patrol keeping common areas like picnic tables clean and they are also pushing the social distance message.

“We’re just hoping with the big crowds people stay vigilant and stay smart about the distancing," said Leavitt

People getting an early start say they are ready for the crowds and plan to do the right and safe thing.

“I don’t think people want anybody close to them no matter where you are at this point," said Boucher. “So I try to keep my distance wherever I am and not make anyone uncomfortable.”

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