Police clear Nat Fyfe after he was caught surfing during Western Australia’s COVID-19 lockdown
Police have completed their investigation into Fremantle star Nat Fyfe after he was caught surfing during Western Australia’s coronavirus lockdown.
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West Australian police have cleared Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe of any wrongdoing after he was photographed surfing in Margaret River amid the state’s lockdown.
WA Police released a statement on Thursday night, saying Fyfe wouldn’t be fined as he didn’t breach social distancing requirements. It was deemed Fyfe had a “valid exemption” and was “compliant with directions regarding regional travel” after he was seen following a surf in the state’s southwest.
The Dockers also confirmed Fyfe had an exemption note, which states he’s an approved essential WA traveller and has been acting in accordance with its guidelines.
A police review found Fyfe was at Gas Bay, south of Margaret River, for essential business. Police said he entered the region in order to provide transport services – he was picking up lime while working for his father’s trucking company – and was waiting for a truck to be loaded when he went surfing.
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WA has introduced strict regional border closures to slow the spread of COVID-19. The statement reinforced there are exemptions for regional travel but must only travel as required.
Earlier WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said “on the face of it there are some questions that need to be answered” about Fyfe’s actions. But he later confirmed Fyfe didn’t breach any rules.
“The spirit of the law is that people apply common sense and only move to another region for the purposes of performing an essential service,” Mr Dawson said in a statement.
“I will change my Directions if I learn of people’s behaviours putting others at risk.”
Fremantle chief executive Simon Garlick said the club was fully aware and supportive of Fyfe’s decisions and actions.
“Nat has been following all the regulations and guidelines regarding social distancing since they have been released and frequently updated, as everyone is endeavouring to do,” Garlick said.
“As a club we are encouraging our players to do whatever they can to keep occupied while the season is suspended, including working hard in an operating business as Nat has been doing.
“We also require that our players maintain a high level of fitness and general wellbeing during this downtime by following a daily exercise regime.
“The club categorically supports Nat’s decision making throughout this episode. He understood he was doing so in accordance with all current responsible practices regarding social distancing.
“As a club we are fully supportive of all of the Government regulations that have been introduced to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
Fyfe’s family is based in Lake Grace, which is over four hours inland to the east of Margaret River.
Earlier, WA Premier Mark McGowan said the picture was “not a good look”.
“The rules and the law apply equally to everyone,” he said.
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Originally published as Police clear Nat Fyfe after he was caught surfing during Western Australia’s COVID-19 lockdown
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