Confusing social distancing rules for NSW beaches baffling locals
While some NSW beaches are open for exercise, many others are closed altogether. Some allow surfing, and some have banned sitting. The mixed messaging around beach social distancing is leaving locals confused. CHECK OUT THE RULES
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Confusing messages about social distancing from Sydney councils have left locals baffled and dismayed about what they are allowed to do and not do on their beloved beaches.
Locals in the Northern Beaches can head to the beach to exercise but must not sit down to sunbake or “gather” around.
Port Stephens allows surfing because it’s considered exercise while in Clarence Valley you can go to the beach but going to the car park is banned.
While other beaches are open, Waverley Council told The Daily Telegraph Bondi, Bronte, Tamarama and Mackenzies beach would remain closed.
A council spokeswoman said surfing cannot be stopped but surfers can be fined if they access the water through the sand.
Surfers looking to access the water via the rocks may be allowed but both council and local police were unclear on whether it flouted social distancing rules.
In Wollongong beaches are not closed but lifeguards and flags have been removed to discourage people from swimming and rangers are patrolling the area to ask people to maintain a distance.
Central Coast Council said all the beaches in the area are restricted to exercising only. “Activities on all Central Coast beaches will now be restricted to exercise only including walking, running and surfing,” a spokeswoman said.
But the council’s website noted: “At this stage beaches have not been officially closed but social distancing measures are in place, which includes maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres from others at all times. Public gatherings must not be more than two people, excluding members of the same household.”
It is unclear if people can swim at 1.5m distance from others at Central Coast beaches and if like surfing, this comes under exercise.
In the Northern Beaches, locals can’t exercise at Manly or Dee Why beach but can exercise at all other beaches and reserves in the area.
Manly beach was still a popular spot for swimmers yesterday.
“If people continue to hang out and loiter, we will have no choice but to keep closing the beaches like we have been over the past few weeks,” Mayor Michael Regan said.
Nambucca Valley Council said locals can surf, swim and exercise at beaches but sunbathing or sitting down is prohibited.
Unlike other councils, Shellharbour said it was not responsible for enforcing new restrictions on its beaches and locals should contact police.
HOW TO SWIM BETWEEN THE NAGS
NORTHERN BEACHES
DO: Exercise at local beaches and reserves with 1.5m social distancing
DON’T: Exercise or visit Manly or Dee Why Beach
CENTRAL COAST
DO: Exercise at the beach including walking, running and surfing
DON’T: Sunbathe or sit down at the beach
WAVERLEY
DO: Surfing may be allowed but only access water via rocks
DON’T: Swim, surf or loiter
WOLLONGONG
DO: Exercise
DON’T: Swim
SUTHERLAND
DO: Beaches opened if social distancing is maintained
DON’T: Use car parks at Wanda Beach and Don Luca Reserve