It’s hard to turn a blind eye to the ignorance that happens daily at Fogland Beach. If you are like me and frequently find yourself trying to enjoy a nice summer day there, it has become impossible to ignore the trash that people carelessly and ignorantly leave behind. I try my best, like so many, to be the bigger person and pick it up when I see it (which is every single time I go) but frankly it is getting extremely old. I ask myself constantly why anyone looking to  enjoy the beautiful, relaxing beach would enjoy hanging out in trash-filled sand. It’s disgusting. After a weekend of fun, the place looks like a dump.

Just yesterday I witnessed a fed-up good Samaritan take the matter into their own hands after they witnessed a woman blatantly litter without regard, only caring about herself and not wanting to take her trash home to properly dispose of at her home. The woman’s excuse when confronted was that she forgot; she didn’t forget because we saw her throw it on the ground.

I realize that everyone deserves the right to enjoy the beach, regardless of where they live, but my opinion is starting to change. In my eyes, it should be a privilege instead of right. I am not naive to the fact that not all Tiverton residents respect the beach, but the reality is that most of the trash comes from individuals who do not even live here.

Maybe it’s time that Fogland becomes restricted to only the people who actually pay taxes in this town. Heck, taxes are high enough, the least the town can do is put their foot down on this issue. I know there are many residents, like myself, who agree. I feel bad when I say Tiverton beaches should be for Tiverton residents only, but enough is enough.

Sincerely,

The voice of every beachgoer who is sick of litter.

Zack Guerette

Tiverton