WASHINGTON – It’s a tradition that makes parents nervous. As high school graduates head to the beaches over the next few weeks, officials in Ocean City, Maryland have plans in place to keep them safe.
“We want you to ride public transportation,” said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.
For $5, high school graduates visiting the beach can ride the bus for a week.
“Just keep on that wristband. If you just do that, it gives your parents a bit of relief that you won’t be out driving, and you’re going to be riding transportation,” Meehan said speaking to graduating seniors.
Teens can visit one of four locations: City Hall, the Convention Center, the police department or the city’s North or South Tram station to get a voucher.
When they attend any of the dozens of free Play it Safe events in the city – which include tie-dye T-shirt designing, paddle boarding, pizza-eating contests, mini golf and midnight bowling – they present their voucher and $5 for a wristband.
The idea is to get kids out of their hotel rooms and out enjoying the week in a safe environment, said city spokeswoman Jessica Waters. She said the city officials were also encouraging parents to take a few steps before their kids head to the beach.
“Reinforce what you’ve taught your kids all their lives — to just be congnizant of the rules and be safe while they are in Ocean City,” Meehan said.
