Over the past several years, there has been a tremendous increase in trespassing/non-members accessing our Club property. It is a real problem that the Board has examined for years. To date the Board has increased security measures through a paid security guard, additional parking lot staff, additional gates, and no-trespassing signs; however, these measures have not been effective. The Board has spoken to other clubs and discussed this with the town of Wrightsville Beach.
At the last Board meeting, the Board approved the use of reusable wristbands as a security measure. After careful review of various options, the Board determined that it is necessary to move forward with a method to identify members. We recognize that this change will not be celebrated by all, but it truly is the best method the Board could find to meet Club needs.
Wristbands as a security method have been adopted because they are:
· An easy, visible method to identify members.
· Cost effective
· Customizable
· Reusable and easy to replace
· Available in a disposable version for guests
· Available in multiple sizes (we have 7 inch and 8 inch)
The Board will be monitoring usage and compliance with the wristbands over the next few weeks. We ask the membership to embrace this new security measure. An enforcement policy will be implemented as needed. Ideally, the membership will adopt the new policy and wear their wristbands as requested. You don’t have to wear wristbands on the beach – just on Club property. If you choose not to wear the band on your wrist, there are options. You can attach it to a beach bag, your key ring, your cell phone, etc. It just needs to be obvious that you have a member wristband.
The effective date of the new policy is June 25, but we recognize it will take time to adopt. All members will be required to wear a wristband. Minors (under the age of 18) are asked to wear wristbands when not accompanied by an adult member. The procedure for obtaining wristbands, are as follows:
1. Pick up wristbands in the office during regular office hours (Monday 10-2, Tuesday-Friday 10-4, Saturday 9-6, Sunday 10-4). Wristbands will be available beginning Thursday, June 17.
2. An adult family member (18 or older) can pick them up for the entire family.
3. If a member did not return a Member Survey previously, they must update family information in Jonas, which can be done at the office as well.
4. Out of town members can pick up wristbands on their first visit to the Club. The wrist bands will not be mailed.
5. The date received and the number of wristbands supplied with be documented and members will be asked to acknowledge receipt.
6. Disposable wristbands will be available for your guests. You can pick one up either in the office or from the parking lot attendant, if there is one on duty.
7. If you get to the beach and realize you forgot your wristband, no problem. Just stop by the office and pick up a disposable guest wristband for the day.
The Board thanks its membership for supporting this initiative and will be reviewing its adoption on an ongoing basis. Changes or updates to the policy will come as we receive feedback from the membership. Please help make this a success so we can better protect the interest of the membership.
Please do not respond to this e-mail with questions and comments regarding wristbands. You can e-mail Board members by clicking on their names under Board of Directors HERE.
