Emergency Text Alerts Now Available for Southern Maine Beaches

Maine’s southern coast is buzzing again this summer—not just from sunshine and surf, but from some fresh public safety updates and, uh, giant sea creatures.

York County (think Old Orchard, Wells, York, and Ogunquit beaches) has amped up its beach safety game by expanding the optional text‐alert system through Labor Day. According to News Center Maine, this new setup is designed to give beachgoers real-time updates on everything from rip currents and dangerous surf to lost kids and approaching storms. I mean, I’d assume a rogue jellyfish the size of a kiddie pool would also make the list.

You’ve likely heard the news about the recent 5-foot-long jellyfish sighting at Willard Beach in South Portland. These things have tentacles stretching up to 100 feet and can deliver a nasty sting—especially to anyone with allergies. Not exactly the spa day you were picturing.

Signing up for these alerts really couldn’t be more simple. Just text your beach’s code—WELLS, OGT, OOB, or YORKME—to 226787, and boom: you’re in. If something sketchy happens, your phone pings with a heads-up. No app downloads, no spam, no running from a thunderstorm. Just solid info when you need… And yes, it’s free. 

So there’s your summer PSA: sign up for the alerts, so you can enjoy the sand and soak up the sun without having to worry too much about any unknown craziness happening in the seas of Southern Maine.