With summer fast approaching, it’s time to review the rules for using Bradley Lake and the Town Beach at Highland Lake. The following comes from the big sign at the dam (Bradley Lake) and from a 2012 Town ordinance (Town Beach).
Bradley Lake
Public Water Supply: To protect the quality of this public water supply, the following state rules and regulations apply. Your cooperation is requested.
- Swimming and bathing are prohibited south of the power line that crosses the lake.
- No dogs or other animals are allowed in the water south of the power line.
- No children wearing diapers may enter any part of the lake.
- Gasoline-powered motors, inboard or outboard, of more than 30 horsepower are prohibited on the lake.
- Boating within 50 feet of the concrete intake is prohibited.
- The disposal of black or gray water, dead fish, or refuse of any kind into the lake or onto the ground within 75 feet of the lake is prohibited.
Town Beach
The following ordinance is implemented in order to ensure that the Andover Town Beach, picnic area, parking lot, and bathhouse situated on Highland Lake in East Andover are always available for the enjoyment and use of Andover residents and their guests, and benefit their health and safety:
To prevent excessive crowding or parking difficulties, beach access is restricted to Andover residents and their guests. Identification of automobiles is by a sticker attached to a rear window or by a guest pass visible through the front windshield. Stickers and passes may be purchased from the Town Clerk for a fee set by the Selectmen.
Failure of a resident using the beach to purchase or attach a sticker to the car is punishable by a fine of $15. Illegal use of the premises by a non-resident is punishable by a fine of $15. In addition, unauthorized vehicles will be towed away at the expense of the owner.
The beach is normally open for use from 8 AM to sundown beginning each year on Memorial Day weekend and ending on Labor Day weekend. The regulations herein defined shall apply 24 hours a day during this period.
There is no lifeguard on duty. Swimming is strictly at the risk of the individual.
The following are strictly prohibited and punishable by a fine of up to $100 for each offense:
- Littering or breaking of bottles
- Animals at any time
- Boat launching
- Alcoholic beverages in any area
- Motor boats in the beach area
- Food or beverages in the sandy beach area
Destruction of property or vandalism of any kind is punishable by a fine of up to $100 and court prosecution.
Offensive behavior, rowdyism, or failure to respond to Andover authorities shall result in expulsion from the area and loss of swimming privileges for the season.
All of the above regulations apply to all Town property associated with the Town Beach, including the beach area, picnic area, bathhouse, and parking lot.