Although recent approval by the Board of Selectmen and Department of Energy & Environmental Protection means that Middle Beach swimmers now have a safe, jet-ski-free swim area, those who use the beach still have to worry about another hazard: dog feces.

“We still have an issue as there are people who live and come to Middle Beach with their dogs [and let them] run free on the beach,” said Ann Mazur, president of Middle Beach Association to the selectmen at a recent meeting. “What people don’t realize is that children play in the sand and the dogs are creating bacteria for people and children in the summer. The bacteria spreads in the summer heat, and children as well as adults can get sick.”

In 2013, the town adopted a policy that allows pet owners to bring their leashed dogs to the beach during the off season, but preserves the prohibition when beach season ramps up.

“Middle Beach as well as other beaches do not allow dogs on it from April 1 through Oct. 1, but some people think that because they use it all winter, they can do it in the summer, too,” Mazur continued. “When [dogs are] seen, the police will be called and tickets will be given out. I am pleading with the dog owners to please not allow their dogs on the beach during the months between April 1 and Oct. 1.”

Those who drive through the Middle Beach area this summer should also watch their speed—the association purchased its own traffic speed monitor to alert drivers to their speed and remind them to slow down for the sake of the children.