Private Beaches and Public Right of Way Along the Waterline (Brookhaven: house, live in)

[goneja]

Alright, to make a long story short, I live in Brookhaven and I'd like to know a little bit more about the laws surrounding Private beaches.

I have been told by numerous people that in Brookhaven, the area of the shore between the high tide and low tide marks is public property, which one can use to traverse past a private area of beach.

Is this true, and if so, does anyone know the exact statute or law that specifically describes this so I can provide some sort of proof to anyone who accosts me? I mean no harm to rich people and their "private" beaches, but a human being should have the right to unhindered travel along the shoreline when they are doing nothing but walking and moving away from anyone who may be offended.

[UpIslander]

This is obviously up for dispute between property owners and beach goers, but here is an article related to the topic. This dispute is happening in the town of Riverhead.
http://www.riverheadnewsreview.com/news-articles/1100/1100-Supervisor---Get-rid-of-beach-signs.html?src=most (broken link)

[OhBeeHave]

This went on in Stony Brook a number of years back. A man had a house built down close to the water and he would chase away anyone traversing the tide lines claiming they were trespassing. If I recall correctly, it's an area where you are free to pass.

Best off checking with the Law Dept though.
451-TOWN