The Beach

Our Fragile Dunes - Our sand dunes provide protection from the ocean and are a valuable resource. There is a walkway to the beach that protects the dunes and gives easy access to the beach. Other access through the dunes is not allowed.

The Beach - FBPA owns 1000 ft of sandy beach access along the beautiful Saco Bay which stretches for seven miles. Swimming by persons under 18 is allowed only when a lifeguard is present--usually from 1:00 to 5:00 pm daily. At all other times, we require you to adopt the “Buddy System.” At times when the lifeguard is not on duty, guests who are between 13 and 18 years of age may be on the beach without a parent or guardian. In all cases, however, they must have permission from their parent or guardian. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. In the evenings, the Ferry Beach Crew and guests who are between 13 and 18 years of age may be on the beach until 11 p.m. They must have permission from their parent, guardian, and/or conference leaders in the case of youth conferences. Persons who are 18 and older may use the beach at their own discretion but the no swimming after dark rule applies to all ages.

Swimming - A lifeguard is on-duty on the beach between 1:00-5:00 p.m. Other hours, for polar bear swims for example, can be arranged through the Program Director. Swimming is not permitted after dark. The area supervised by the lifeguard will be clearly marked and swimmers should stay within that area at all times. Swimming by persons under 18 years of age is allowed only when a certified Ferry Beach lifeguard is on duty. Adults who swim at times when the lifeguard is not present are required to adopt the "Buddy System." Even though a lifeguard is present, children are at all times the responsibility of a parent or of someone delegated to be a guardian. Parents of small children should always accompany their child(ren) to the beach. We empower our lifeguard to make decisions about closing the beach during adverse weather conditions and require that you respect that person’s authority to do so.