Thursday, July 23, 2015
Senate Approves Tarr Beachgoer Protection System
“Caleigh’s
Bill” Enhances Safety With Uniform Flag Warning Standard
Boston- Today, the
Senate unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Bruce
Tarr (R-Gloucester), intended to enhance the safety of millions of swimmers attracted
to public beaches by summer heat through the establishment of a color-coded
flag system. Tarr filed the legislation, known as “Caleigh’s Bill”, following the tragic loss of Caleigh
Harrison, a two-year old Gloucester girl, who is believed to have been swept
out to sea while on Rockport’s Long Beach in April 2012.
“The memory of Caleigh’s disappearance will live with all of
us for a very long time; her family’s loss is a great tragedy and an
inspiration for us to act,” said Tarr.
“Her uncle, David Harrison, spurred our legislative efforts when he
learned about the uniformity of water warning systems in other states and
countries. In adopting this bill,
Massachusetts will promote greater awareness of the potential dangers that the
ocean can present so that we can protect lives and enhance enjoyment of our
coastline.”
Senate Bill 1956, a bill creating uniform beach warnings,
co-sponsored by Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante and Senators Vinny deMacedo,
and Donald F. Humason will:
·
Require the Department of
Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to develop a uniform warning and safety flag
program to be used at all public beaches maintained by DCR, by providing a
uniform size, shape, color, and definition for each warning and safety flag,
·
Allow a municipality to adopt the
uniform flag warning and safety program by requiring a vote by a city council,
town council, or town meeting,
·
Create a water quality procedure
that ensures timely and accurate updates.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for
further consideration.
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