Crane Beach, Ipswich

You can feel safe in these cool coastal waters knowing this lady is nearby with a swift kayak ready to respond if needed.

Beautiful beach, beautiful people, bright sun and crystal blue water; everything you need for an awesome summer afternoon that makes happy memories.

The first time I came here was in August 1982 for an outdoor concert called "Reggae By the Sea" Boston area bands Zion Invitation, Bim Skala Bim & Metro Steel Orchestra provided a lovely soundtrack to exploring a beautiful area. I knew I'd be back on a sunny day to jump in those waves.

Some swim, some soak up the sun, and then there are quite a few folks content just to get their feet wet where the cool Atlantic waters meet the silky smooth sand...

Many visitors to Crane Beach set up tents to provide shelter from the sun. during peak hours. The beach hut at the entrance sells sunscreen and protective gear but if all else fails this lifeguard will be happy  to summon a cart to bring you back to your car.

This ranger does a lot more than check parking passes. Crane Beach is a nesting ground for the endangered Piping Plover. Protecting the baby birds in their summer residence is a big part of this man's job.

The beach may be crowded  but peace is just a short sail away...

At Crane Beach a very helpful crew of lifeguards work the beach to make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. They are more than happy to provide you with a ride to our from the beach in their dunebuggy.

My son Viterbo loves this place. When he was diagnosed with autism 10 years ago someone told me that his fascination  with water meant he had a higher than normal risk of drowning. We didn't  want him to grow up surrounded by fear of what he loves, so he started swim lessons at the Salem YMCA while he was still a toddler. Now he's the best swimmer in our family. If Little Mermaid Princess Ariel is frolicking in the waves off Cape Ann, she might find our prince doing the same...