Four York County Beach Communities Now Offering Real-Time Safety Alerts to Summer Visitors

ALFRED, Maine – York County Emergency Management Agency’s Text Alert System is active for summer 2025. The public safety initiative is available at four of Maine's coastal towns: Old Orchard Beach, Wells, Ogunquit, and most recently, York. Launched in 2024, the text alert system provides visitors and residents with immediate notifications about beach safety concerns, such as missing children, severe weather events, and potential ocean hazards.

"After seeing the positive impact this service had in neighboring communities last year, we're excited to offer text alerts for tourists and beach visitors for the 2025 season,” said Nicole Pestana, Emergency Management Director for the Town of York. "This technology offers a direct communication channel between public safety officials and summer visitors for them to stay informed during their stay.”

During its first year, the system registered over 1,200 users across the original three participating towns and delivered 13 critical alerts, including severe thunderstorm warnings and rip current advisories.

To receive alerts, visitors can text one of the following codes to 226787:

• WELLS for Town of Wells Beach alerts

• OGT for Town of Ogunquit Tourist and Beach alerts

• OOB for Town of Old Orchard Beach alerts

• YORKME for Town of York Tourist and Beach alerts

The service is free to use, though standard messaging rates may apply. Users can opt out at any time by texting LEAVE. Visitors are reminded to dial 9-1-1 for emergencies as this text service is not monitored.

The Text Alert System will be active from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day 2025.

York County residents can register for emergency alerts, including Text Alerts in these four coastal towns, at: https://www.smart911.com/smart911/registration/registrationLanding.action