On a hot summer day, some North Bridgton village residents would cool off by visiting a small beach on Long Lake.

The property is now off limits to the general public.

Bridgton Academy, which owns the small beach frontage off Route 117, posted a Facebook message announcing the closure effective July 6.

“For years, we have shared our lovely spot with North Bridgton village residents. Now, we are realizing that many who use and abuse the beach have no ties to the school at all,” the posting read. “We apologize to those that use it appropriately and have asked, in a cordial way, for the school’s permission. Unfortunately, the conditions have deteriorated enough so that we are concerned about liability issues and damage to school and summer camp property.”

“For clarity purposes,” BA officials said access to the beach will only be available to Bridgton Academy staff and families, as well as, for Bridgton Sports Camp usage at this time.

“We will be working in the next few weeks to add security measures to the beach including locks on the fence, clearer private beach signage and security cameras,” adds the post, signed as the Bridgton Academy Community. “Thank you for understanding our position.”

Public response included:

“This is a sad commentary and is happening all too often with the loss of cultural responsibility and civility.”

“Well, this is truly not good news for those of us who live within a few steps of this beach, and have been able to enjoy ‘responsibly’ using the beach and the access to swimming there for many, many years (decades even). It would be great if the Academy would consider issuing a limited number of permits to use the beach annually which might be purchased by local residents of North Bridgton.”

“Sad for the local residents who do respect the property.”

“This used to be a town beach, but was given to the school. As a child, I was able to swim there. So sad for our children!”

“I saw the worst display of inappropriate behavior by some young adults down there the other night. (Not camp counselors.) Had to leave with my granddaughter. Plus, the trash. Terrible.”

“I do not understand why people are so disrespectful. The water and beaches should be valued by everyone who use them.”

“Like always, a few losers ruin it for the rest of the responsible people. Damn shame they would never be held accountable.”

“It’s the I can do what I want mentally. It’s someone else’s responsibility to make sure that they pick up after me.”

“Bridgton Academy has been generous in allowing the community to use the beach. Did you all know this property was actually deeded to BA in the 1930s? For those of you who are upset that you were told you would have access to the beach when you bought your house, I understand your upset. I would be too, but talk to your realtor or the listing agent on that property. I know for a fact that BA has asked repeatedly for the beach not to be misrepresented on property listings. I am sorry for the deep feeling of losing something valuable to your summer experiences, but please check where you are directing your anger, despite what several think Bridgton Academy does a lot for the community.”

“Bridgton Academy OWNS the beach. The town did not give them it. They do all the upkeep such as pay taxes, landscaping, tree work, cleaning at the beginning of the season, etc. It’s always been private and they allowed public to use it as long as it was respectful and following guidelines (no smoking, no dogs, no drinking, etc.). That was all broken in the last (few) years....With airbnbs, the traffic at the beach and misuse is out of control. Hence what is happening now.”