Bystander Asks Town for Solution Following Dog Drowning

Following the drowning of a 6-month-old black lab, a resident and bystander to the incident has written to selectmen asking that a grate or some barrier be installed at the entrance to an outflow pipe at Riverhead Beach.

This past Saturday a dog drowned after it was sucked into an outflow pipe at Riverhead Beach. The owner is among many now that are realizing that the town should consider installing a grate or fence on the outflow pipe.

In a letter to the Marblehead Board of Selectmen and the Town Administrator, Bubier Road resident Michael Perez talked about the incident and noted how easily the situation could have escalated had a child been sucked into the outflow pipe at Riverhead Beach.

“I was present, offered assistance and the result is a terrible tragedy, for that dog and the family,” Perez wrote. “Beyond that, it could have been a child.  If that was the case, the parent would have gone in after them, then we'd possibly be talking about two human deaths.”

Perez goes on to say that town officials have looked into the issue but say there are obstacles involved.

“She [Drains Superintendent Amy McHugh] stated that they are looking into grates, but also spoke about several potential obstacles with options being researched and that it may take a long time, if at all,” the letter continued.

However, he still is asking the town to find some way to fix this problem and fix it soon.

“I've seen pipe grates all across the country and don't believe the obstacles are insurmountable for the extra measure of safety of protecting our families (human and canine). 

“I urge you to strongly support the placement of safety grates on these (and any other) exposed outflow pipes in Marblehead that may endanger us.” 

Read the full letter in a PDF attached to this article.