Bondi and Bronte beach reopened for swimming and surfing
Swimmers and surfers have been given the green light to return to the water at Bondi Beach and Bronte next week but Waverley Council Mayor Paula Masselos has issued a strict message to tourists and warning for locals.
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The waters of Bondi and Bronte beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs will be reopened for swimming and surfing next week but could be closed again if social distancing restrictions are ignored.
Beaches at Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama were closed more than a month ago after locals and tourists flouted social distancing restrictions.
The area is a coronavirus hotspot with more than 180 cases.Following negotiations between Waverley Council and NSW Health the beaches will be opened again for exercise purposes on April 28.
Waverley Council Mayor Paula Masselos said there will be an ongoing risk assessment that will decide whether the beaches stay open.
“It really is about what we are seeing (on the beach) and how we can respond to it and take the best possible action at the time.
Our rangers, our lifeguards are very experienced in managing a very busy Bondi Beach. Ultimately, if people are not going to do the right thing it will close. This is where personal responsibility is needed.”
There will be no access to the sand for exercise or playing sports.
Ms Masselos asked tourists not to come to the area unless necessary as increased numbers at the beach could result in its closure.
“We are asking people not to come into the area if they are visitors, but how are we going to manage that? We can’t check their license,” she said.
“What we are asking at this time, a pandemic, to please be sensible, take personal responsibility if they are if busy come back another time.”
All public ocean pools remain closed and Tamarama and Mackenzies Bay beaches are only open to surfers.
Lifeguards will patrol Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama beaches between 7am and 5pm and urge swimmers to stay between the flags.
The reopening follows the lead of Randwick City Council who allowed surfers and swimmers back in the water on Monday.
There has been confusion at Clovelly, Coogee and Maroubra beaches about what is and is not allowed with police, lifeguards and beachgoers unsure of the new rules.