How frustrated surfers are paddling out in eastern suburbs without breaking coronavirus rules
It is a hot topic among surfing communities in Sydney’s eastern suburbs – can you surf without breaking any COVID-19 restrictions?
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It is the question surfers are asking across Sydney’s eastern suburbs – can I surf or can’t I?
The short answer is yes you can.
The problem is you can’t cross the sand to access the water.
This dilemma has led to a rise in surfers across the eastern suburbs finding a way to access the surf without breaking any COVID-19 restrictions including jumping off rocks.
Last month, all beaches were closed across the eastern suburbs in a bid to fight the spread of COVID-19, including surfing hot spots Bondi and Maroubra.
Waverley and Randwick councils operate the beaches across the eastern suburbs and have stated the beaches will remain closed for now.
However, Randwick Council – which has far fewer COVID-19 cases than Waverley – has hinted it may re-open its beaches very soon at least in a restricted capacity.
In the meantime, the question remains for throngs of surfers: can I surf? Or do beach closures mean the ocean is off limits as well as the sand?
A NSW Police spokeswoman said the distinction was the water was not controlled by councils and was not part of the beach closures.
She also said because of the length of surf boards, surfers were able to keep 1.5m social distancing while in the ocean.
A NSW Police spokesman added: “Surfing or swimming is considered exercise and therefore not a breach of ministerial directions under the Public Health Act.”
However, police can still fine people for going on closed beaches which is not permissible.
This dilemma has led to a rise in surfers entering and exiting the ocean off rocks, away from the sandy shoreline which is patrolled by lifeguards and council rangers.
A Waverley Council spokeswoman said the current restrictions did not apply to people getting into the ocean off rocks where there was no signs stating the area was closed.
“It’s different if surfers chose to access (the ocean) via rocks unless the area is signposted as closed then the rules apply.”
She said council rangers had the authority to issue $110 fines for people trespassing on beaches but not for the ocean itself.
“Waverley Council does not have jurisdiction over the water, however, we do over the access points to the water,” she said.
“Our lifeguards continue to monitor and patrol our beaches to ensure water safety and provide advice on the new restrictions.”
Meanwhile, Randwick Council would not state whether it was stopping people accessing the ocean via rocks, such as at Malabar and Maroubra Beach.
However, it is understood just this week lifeguards at Maroubra Beach used a megaphone to keep surfers off the sand, and told surfers they could only access the ocean by going off the rocks.
Maroubra resident and keen surfer Jordan Gilbert told NewsLocal he understood the need for health restrictions to be put in place during this pandemic.
However, he said he wanted restrictions to be more consistent.
“My personal view has been that I am happy to abide by the rules but it is a bit frustrating when it seems really inconsistent with other activities around the eastern suburbs and with other beaches within Sydney.”
He said people were allowed to go golfing and even surfing in other areas of Sydney for exercise, but surfers in the eastern suburbs were having to go off rocks just to access the water.
A Randwick Council spokesman hinted that beaches within the local government area could be reopening again soon. That could include beaches such as Coogee, Maroubra and Malabar.
“At council, we are working towards a solution that would see our beaches accessible for exercise; without the risk of being closed again.
“We have asked for patience, and we are close to being able to allow access.
“Once again, we ask for your patience so that we can provide an environment that considers the health and safety of everyone in our community.”