Ready to wade into summer? Southwick Town Beach opens to the public

Southwick Town Beach is open to the public.
Reminder Publishing file photo

SOUTHWICK — For any family, couple, or person looking for a place to spend a day relaxing or hanging out, Town Beach just opened last week for the public’s enjoyment this summer.

“We have everything needed for a great day at the beach,” said Karen Shute, who has served as the beach manager for nearly two decades.

The beach, at 14 Beach Road, officially opened at the end of June and will be open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until late August — around the time school starts.

Shute said the beach, which is on South Pond, is the perfect place for parents to bring their children.

“The water is shallow and safe, and there is a lifeguard on duty at all times the beach is open,” she said.

There is also a buoy line that defines the swimming area.

The beach was opened last Thursday after the water was tested by the Board of Health to ensure it was safe for swimming. Testing will continue weekly. If high levels of bacteria are detected, the beach will be closed until it clears, Shute said.

Folks can also fish at the beach, and while the Snack Shak doesn’t sell bait, it is available just around the corner at several businesses along Congamond Road.

The Snack Shak does offer grilled hamburgers, chicken nuggets and patties, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and the state’s unofficial sandwich, the “fluffahnuttah”.

She said there are also candy bars, chips, drinks and ice cream, all at reasonable prices.

For those who prefer to cook themselves, there are several grills available for use — grillers should bring their own charcoal — and over a dozen picnic tables.

Shute wanted to remind those who are planning to use the beach this summer that there are indoor and outdoor showers and bathrooms available.

With so many years spent at the beach, Shute recalled when rowboats would be rented and when waterskiers would fly off a ski ramp anchored in the pond.

“The water skiers would come across here stacked in a pyramid,” she said, pointing at the pond.

She has also watched many young children who visited the beach grow up and now have their own families.

“It was fun to see them each summer as they grew up,” Shute said.

The area where the beach is located was once the site of a restaurant and dance hall.

“In the summer, it would be packed,” Shute said.

She also acknowledged the beach isn’t as busy as it once was.

“It was COVID. Before it, we were packed, but since, it’s just not as busy,” she said.

Shute is hopeful residents will come back.

Southwick residents with valid proof of residency can enjoy the beach for $3 per person per day. Non-residents can visit for $6 per person. For seniors 62 or older and active military members, it’s $2. Children under 2 visit for free. Minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Pets, alcohol and smoking are not allowed on the beach.

In case of inclement weather or predicted thunderstorms, or if there are no beachgoers by around 4:30 p.m., the beach may close early.

For more information or to learn whether the beach is closed because of inclement weather, call 413-569-1213.