With sandy beaches full of children building sandcastles and the waters of Onset Bay dotted with boats of all kinds, the Onset Bay Center brought on the summer season with a day full of activities. 

Those attending the Onset Bay Day could enjoy water equipment, beach crafts and information about activities the coalition is hosting in the warmer months. 

Center director Angie Weldon said the day was dedicated to helping people get out and enjoy nature for the first time in the summer season.

"We wanted to let everybody know we are open for the season with our rentals, summer camps and different activities for family, kids and youth. Really kick off our season," she said.

Weldon said the turnout was great and that she was happy to see people of all ages out and about.

"Our whole department here is focused on getting everyone from our community outside," she said. "But we love to see the young ones because they're going to be the ones who grow up and take care of this place."

Weldon said one of her favorite things about the event is seeing people get on boats for the first time. 

"Whether it's kids or even adults who haven't been around the water for a long time," she said. "Some young kids have never been on a boat before. So I love seeing that happen."

Cousins 10-year old Taliyah Brito and 9-year-old Ana Brito rode on a sailboat with their family. Both rode in the middle of the boat with netting. 

"We saw some fish and we were putting our hands in the water," Taliyah said. 

Ana said the cold water didn't bother her and that the pair kept their hands in the whole time. The cousins planned on staying closer to shore for the remainder of the time at the event. 

"I wanted to go inside the water," Ana said. "We're going to go on the other boat for 18 people."

Taliyah said she wasn't afraid to go on the boat, but got a little nervous when the wind started to fight the sails. The coalition’s smaller sailboat cruises around Onset Bay and is able to bring passengers onto the shore as opposed to the docks.

The coalition also offered rides in a larger 10-passenger Drascombe Gig sailboat and a 16-passenger launch boat.

"I got scared when we heard that the captain was fighting the current before we came in," Taliyah said.

The Buzzards Bay Coalition will be offering more events throughout the summer including the Buzzards Bay Swim Saturday, June 28. Information about further activities can be found on their website.