ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â

Public / Visitor Spaces & Amenities >> ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Beach Access

About ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Beach

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Beach is a hidden gem along the Thames River offering clean sand and unheralded views of passing ferries, sailboats, and even a submarine from time to time. The beach is part of many traditions at the college, including bonfires, student events, events for prospective students and their families, and special events for invited guests. The beach is situated on private property owned by the college and is open only to Beach Pass holders and invited guests. It is not open to the public. 

Current ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â and Thames Students

Students do not need to register for a pass. They can show a current ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â picture ID for beach access.

Beach Passes

The ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Beach Pass is for the explicit purpose of accessing ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Beach during beach hours and seasonal dates. Beach visitors must bring their pass as they may be asked to show it during their visit to the beach.

The Beach Pass is available to the following groups:

1. 1. ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Alumni
   2. Current ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â and Thames Faculty and Staff
   3. The Friends of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Members – Students Enrolling for Fall 2026

Individual Beach Pass = Pass Holder + 1 guest
Family Beach Pass = Pass Holder + 3 guests

Please Note: Beach passes are available as a benefit to current faculty, staff, and members of the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Alumni Association. Former staff and faculty may join Friends of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â to obtain a pass after the term of employment has ended. Families of deceased members of the Alumni Association are eligible for one individual or family beach pass in the year following the loss.

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Alumni

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â alumni must join the Alumni Association in order to request a Beach Pass. As Association members, alumni may get a free Individual Beach Pass or free Family Beach Pass.

For these purposes, an alumnus/a of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â is determined to be:

Any graduate of the College or person who has been duly enrolled as a student in good standing at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â for at least four semesters and is not currently a full-time student of the College shall be considered eligible to request membership. (ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Alumni Association Constitution and By-Laws, 2023).

Current ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â and Thames Faculty and Staff

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â faculty or staff are eligible for a free Individual Beach Pass or Family Beach Pass.

The Friends of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â

The Friends of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â is a special recognition society of donors who contribute $150 or more annually to the Annual Fund. Members can join at the following levels:

• • • • Benefactor Level:  $150 (Individual Beach Pass + One Guest)
      • Patron Level:  $180 (Family Beach Pass, 4 People  Total)
      • Corporate/Business Level:  $250 (Family Beach Pass; 4 People  Total)

In addition to enjoying access to ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Beach, members of The Friends of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â receive exclusive invitations to campus events.

Beach Rules/Restrictions

Beach Location: Beach passes can only be used at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Beach next to the Henry Hall parking lot, not at the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Sailing Dock beach area.

Proof of Pass: Campus Safety, or a member of its team, has the right to request proof of beach pass membership while on the beach or prior to entry.

Beach passes are non-transferable and are intended for use by the registered pass holder. Guests are welcome when accompanied by the pass holder.

Exceptions: In limited circumstances, such as illness or unforeseen situations, pre-approved guest access may be arranged through the Office of Advancement. Requests for weekend access must be submitted no later than Thursday of that week. To request an accommodation, please email .

Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol on the beach or in the parking lot is prohibited.

Capacity: The Beach has a capacity of 125 individuals at one time. ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â reserves the right to refuse entry to Beach Pass holders if capacity has been reached. Beach and parking capacity may fluctuate.

Closures:

• To ensure the safety of guests, the beach will be closed when it reaches capacity.
• To comply with all local safety recommendations and mandates, the beach will close if swimming is not deemed safe by local health departments.
• ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â reserves the right to close ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Beach for campus events.
• The Henry Hall Parking lot may be closed for public parking during special campus events. Communications will be sent out to Beach Pass Holders in advance for planning purposes.

Parking: Parking is not guaranteed. The vehicle owner assumes all risk when parking on ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â property, and no vehicle may be parked overnight. There is no camping or campers allowed on college property.

Dunes: The dunes are protected and fragile. Vegetation protects the dunes. Please refrain from walking on dunes. Anyone found walking on the dunes will be asked to leave.

Soliciting: No soliciting is allowed on the beach or in the adjacent parking lot.

Pets: No dogs or pets allowed at any time (enforced year-round) except Service Animals.

Beach Gear: Tents, umbrellas, etc., must be safely secured by the owner.

Trash: No littering. Please use trash receptacles.

Smoking: There is no smoking allowed on the beach at any time.

Music: In order to ensure all patrons can enjoy the space, please be courteous and respectful at all times. Amplified or loud music is prohibited. Music should be enjoyed using headphones or kept at a low level.

Prohibited Items: The following items are not allowed on ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Beach at any time: alcoholic beverages, drugs, weapons, glass bottles, grills, open flames, fireworks, drones, or vehicles.

Restrooms: Portable facilities are available in the parking area.

Water Vessels: Motorboats, kayaks, canoes, jet skis, etc., are not allowed on or to be launched from the beach.

Wildlife: Feeding wildlife is prohibited on ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Beach; this includes, but is not limited to, swans, geese, and seals. [On rare occasions, seals have come ashore on our beach. If you are aware of a seal on the beach, contact Campus Safety immediately. Please do not approach it or disturb it in any way.]