Hampton Police Chief Alexander Reno delivers his remarks during this year's press conference about beach safety on June 19. Courtesy photo/New Hampshire Department of Safety

HAMPTON – State and local officials recently offered important advice to those visiting Hampton Beach this summer, particularly with the start of the America250 celebration.

“As visitation increases, so too will public safety presence,” said Hampton Police Chief Alexander Reno during the June 19 press conference, adding that fireworks are prohibited in Hampton. “Residents and visitors can expect to see an increase in public safety throughout the Beach District and along Ocean Boulevard.”

Last year, Hampton lifeguards were involved in 218 ocean rescues, 615 first aid cases and 7,000 incidents involving alcohol. They also assisted 200 visitors in wheelchairs.

“When you come to the beach, check in with the lifeguards about rip currents,” said Chief Lifeguard Patrick Murphy.

According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, someone caught in this aquatic vice grip can be carried several hundred yards off shore at up to eight feet per second — faster than an Olympic swimmer.

Once someone is pulled into a rip current, escaping can be extremely difficult. Usually, the only option is swimming parallel with the beach and not against the powerful current.

State Police Capt. Vincent Grieco said that so far this year, 35 lives have been lost on New Hampshire’s roads.

“That number isn’t just a statistic,” he said. “Those are individuals, families and communities forever changed.”

In response, he said the Office of Highway Safety has expanded the Think and Drive 603 campaign.

“This is more than just a slogan,” said Grieco. “It means prioritizing safety, being considerate behind the wheel and eliminating dangerous driving behaviors.”

In addition, he said the lakes, rivers and coastline will be monitored by the State Police Marine Patrol and that children under 13 are required by law to wear a life jacket.

District 3 Executive Councilor Janet Stevens said numerous infrastructure improvements continue to be made across Rockingham County. She said the state has invested $107 million to construct the new Seabrook/Hampton Bridge while $5 million has been earmarked for median barriers on Interstate 95.

“These projects are the result of a strong partnership and a commitment to making New Hampshire’s roads safer and more reliable,” said Stevens. “These investments are part of nearly $900 million in investments in roadways and bridges in my district.”