Melbourne beaches: Cup Day crowd risk for St Kilda, Elwood, Brighton
Find out what authorities have in store for Melburnians hitting the beach to celebrate Melbourne Cup and life after lockdown.
South East
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Private security guards have been called in to manage loo queues at St Kilda beach as police and councils around the bay brace for Melbourne Cup Day heat and crowds.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a warm, sunny day across Victoria with a Melbourne maximum of 30C on Tuesday.
If the mercury climbs that high it will be warmest Cup Day since 2014 and tough restrictions on pub numbers have made beaches the next best bet for the public holiday.
Victoria Police activated its annual Operation Summersafe on Monday and planned to continue extra beach patrols and zero tolerance approach to those flouting the Chief Health Officer’s directions throughout Tuesday and beyond.
“Members of the public should expect to see police proactively patrolling busy locations such as beaches, shopping and entertainment precincts and nearby public transport hubs,” a police spokesperson said.
The Mounted Branch, Public Order Response Team and Water Police would support the effort.
Port Phillip Council chief executive Peter Smith said the council would use private security for the first time to monitor queues at public toilets along the foreshore in St Kilda and help crews doing extra cleans.
He said the council’s local laws officers would support police enforcing the St Kilda foreshore alcohol ban and manage beach numbers.
He encouraged people to move to less busy beaches if crowds started to build.
“We ask beachgoers to check our social media before heading off as we will be letting people know if some beaches are approaching capacity,” Mr Smith said.
Bayside Council also warned that beachgoers would be asked to leave if too many people hit the sand.
Chief executive Mick Cummins said council officers would monitor crowd numbers and call for reinforcement from police if needed.
“Trying to block every single access point is going to be a very difficult task, but I’m
confident the overwhelming majority of people are going to do the right thing,” he said.
Mr Cummins urged beachgoers to wear a mask unless swimming.
“Masks must be worn unless you are entering the water or coming back from the water,” he said.
“If you’re sitting on the beach you need a mask on.”
He said social distancing signage along the foreshore and social distancing circles at key Bayside locations would remind people to follow the rules.
Council officers would also be enforcing parking restrictions.
Frankston City Council chief executive, Phil Cantillon said council officers would patrol beaches tomorrow to help support safe public holiday activity on the foreshore.
“I urge beachgoers to behave responsibly while enjoying the anticipated warm weather and their day off,” he said.
Life Saving Victoria (LSV) urged people to take extra precautions as they entered the water after a long break.
“Most Victorians – even those who are highly experienced around water – have sustained a long period of time with fewer experiences around water this year, so taking extra precautions and planning your day is all the more important,” an LSV spokesperson said.
“Keeping a close eye on children around water – and keeping children under five within arm’s reach – is crucial following breaks from swimming lessons and aquatic activities.”
Life Saving patrols are not expected to begin around the bay until November 14.
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