Safe Recreation

As a community centered on recreation and the appreciation of the natural landscape, safe recreation is an important aspect of life on the Island. While the Dukes County Emergency Management Association oversees most of the day-to-day programming and response related to safe recreation, we’ve included some helpful tips and where to access more information is included below.

 
 

saef cycling

Martha’s Vineyard boasts several bike paths and cycling is a great way to explore and navigate the Island. The Boards of Health do not oversee the bike paths or the cycling rules on the Island, but given the frequency of cycling related accidents, it’s important to be aware of the rules of the road and the differences from town to town.

 

safe swimming

Given our location off the mainland, the Martha’s Vineyard coast can experience a wide range of currents and rip tides that can make swimming conditions dangerous for novice and experienced swimmers alike. While the Boards of Health do not actively monitor the swimming conditions on the Island, we are committed to spreading vital safe swimming information as needed. We routinely update our social media channels for beach closures or swim warnings and for more information regarding warnings, closures, and safe swimming tips, click here.

Additional Information

  • Not all swimming beaches are monitored by a lifeguard – be mindful of signs about lifeguard hours

  • Heed swim warnings – these signs are posted periodically about water quality and swimming conditions

  • From time to time throughout the year, cyanobacteria levels at swimming ponds and beaches can reach levels unsafe for recreational swimming. These bacteria can result in liver damage or impairment of nervous system functioning, therefore, it is important to heed the notices when posted. For more information on pond water testing and swim advisories, please visit MV Cyano.

 
 
 
 
 

safe boating

There are many opportunities to enjoy Martha’s Vineyard’s coast and waterways by boat. While the Boards of Health do not oversee the infrastructure or rules for boating on the Island, its still important to share important safety information for residents and visitors alike.

For more information about safety on the water on MV, please visit the US Coast Guard’s website.

The Martha’s Vineyard Coast Guard Auxiliary hosts an annual one-day safe boating class. You can contact the class organizers at the email address below.

Safe Outdoors

There are so many ways to enjoy the Vineyard’s landscape and the 200+ miles of walking and hiking trails are no exception. Whether you’re enjoying a day an afternoon at a park or embarking on a several mile excursion, there are several outdoor safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Wear light clothing in the hot summer months

  • Sun screen

  • Protective wear during hunting season

  • Stay hydrated

Tick Safety – Protection against tick bites and prevention of tick-borne illness is a major concern on Martha’s Vineyard. For more information on ticks and mosquitos, check out our Environmental Health page.

 

Accessible & Inclusive Recreation

COMING SOON!

 
 
 

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