AMHERST — Puffer’s Pond’s popularity during warm weather prompted several public safety responses during Independence Day weekend.
Police were first called to the beach off State Street at 1:32 p.m. Saturday by a person who observed several people consuming alcohol and playing loud music.
Detective Marcus Humber said a responding officer warned people swimming and sunbathing that alcohol is prohibited at the conservation area. Several people who had coolers filled with alcohol brought these back to their vehicles.
At 8 p.m. Saturday, paramedics were summoned to a trail that runs around the perimeter of the pond after a woman was startled by a loose golden retriever and injured her left leg.
Fire Chief Walter “Tim” Nelson said the woman, who may have suffered a broken leg, was in pain and was treated at the scene by paramedics before being brought to an ambulance and transported to Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton.
The incident is being investigated by the town’s animal welfare officer because dogs are not allowed to be off leash at the site.
At 1:15 a.m. Sunday, a man stargazing in a vehicle parked near the pond was warned the site is closed after dark and was sent on his way.
At 2:45 p.m. Monday, swimmers walking on the rocks near the dam were advised to get off for their own safety. The cliff is a place from which people periodically dive into the pond.
Six minutes later, police officers and firefighters went to a swimming hole beneath the Silver Bridge, a short distance from Puffer’s Pond, where 15 to 20 people were having a cookout.
Nelson said the campfire was extinguished, with the family having the cookout reminded that campfires are not allowed on conservation land.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
