Horseneck Beach in Westport Is Riddled With Rocks, Concerning the Fate of Summer 2024

Could the Summer of 2024 be Ruined for Westport Beachgoers?

On December 19th, 2023, Westport's shorelines faced the wrath of a severe storm, rendering nearby roadways impassable. East Beach bore the scars of what seemed like a meteor shower hitting the roadways. Rocks and debris littered the coast, and it wasn't until New Year's Day that I realized the extent of the damage at Horseneck Beach.

Unless you have thick-bottomed water shoes or avoid the water altogether, the shores of Horseneck Beach are in disarray.

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It's the worst I've ever seen. While I understand that Horseneck is typically rocky, the storm surge added tons of softball-sized rocks, creating heaps and hills along the beach, hindering a casual walk down to the water.

A group of friends and I were gearing up for another year of polar plunging, and normally, I would go barefoot. However, instinct told me to grab my water shoes before leaving the house.

Boy, am I glad I did.

Unless you're a Westport resident with a pass for Cherry and Webb Beach (Horseneck's neighbor), you're left navigating rocks and swimming through seaweed during the red tide months. Keep in mind that you're already paying $15 per day to visit Horseneck Beach, not to mention $40 if you're visiting from out of state (yes, Rhode Island, I'm looking at you), just to find a non-rocky spot by the shore.

I hate to complain, but when beach business is down and the state wonders why, maybe it's because people are frustrated with a beach overrun by foot-punishing stones. Perhaps then, and only then, will change come to Horseneck.

End of rant.