Gov. Kelly Ayotte speaks about water safety at Hampton Beach on June 13. Courtesy photo

HAMPTON – With more than 70,000 visitors expected at Hampton Beach this summer, Gov. Kelly Ayotte, along with state officials and law enforcement, underscored the importance of staying safe while having fun.

“When you come to the beach, please enjoy yourself,” Ayotte said during the June 13 event. “Be safe, listen to the lifeguards, listen to the public safety officers. Don’t be reckless, just have fun and be responsible.”

Chief Lifeguard Patrick Murphy said the beach is fully-staffed and asked that beachgoers check-in with a lifeguard before going in the water.

He also asked that visitors stay inside the swimming boundaries marked by yellow flags. Going outside the boundaries would put swimmers at an increased risk of encountering a rip current.

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.

Lt. Irwin Malilay of the State Police Marine Patrol said being on the water accelerates the effects of drugs and alcohol.

“The sun, wind, motion and noise can all intensify the effects of alcohol and drugs,” he said. “Boat responsibly and stay alert.”

Capt. Michael Eastman of the state Fish and Game Department said warm air temperatures do not necessarily mean warm water temperatures, adding that the ocean is currently 55 degrees.

“Just think about that before you head out,” he said.

District 3 Executive Councilor Janet Stevens said the number of highway fatalities has climbed by six percent since last year.

“Behind every statistic is a loved one who didn’t make it home,” she said, adding that more than 90 percent of vehicle crashes are preventable.

Stevens also lauded the Hampton Police Department for its response to the gunfire incident that took place on the evening of June 5 at the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and G Street.

No injuries were reported and one person of interest was taken into custody.

“Their bravery and swift response prevented a dangerous situation from escalating,” said Stevens.

Hampton Police Chief Alexander Reno said that last year, Hampton Police made approximately 1,000 more motor vehicle stops than in 2023.

“You can expect to see more of our officers out there on the street,” he said, adding that more foot patrols will be on the northern end of Ocean Boulevard.

State Police Lt. Christopher Storm highlighted the Think and Drive 603 program.

“With more cars on our roads, speeding has become more dangerous,” he said. “Put your phones away, using your phone while driving is not only dangerous, it’s illegal. A moment of inattention can lead to a lifetime of regret. The consequences of impaired driving are devastating and completely avoidable.”