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Sydney beaches overcrowded as weather warms, Coogee ‘too busy’

Thousands have flocked to Sydney beaches for the warm weather, as police were called to multiple areas because of social distancing fears.

Thousands flock to Bondi ignoring social distancing rules

Police are ordering sunseekers at Sydney’s popular Coogee beach to move on, with the local council saying warm weather has seen the area get too busy, sparking concerns about social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As temperatures reached 24C, an unverified estimate of visitors at Coogee beach and nearby parks and reserves was a whopping 15,000.

“The first warm weekend and people are flocking to the beaches,” a Randwick City Council spokeswoman said.

“It is quite busy down there.”

She said signs reminding beachgoers to socially distance had been erected “everywhere” but police were needed to disperse the crowd.

“Lifeguards don’t have the legislative powers to kick people off the beaches,” she explained.

A NSW Police spokesman said officers had also responded to concerns about crowding at Clovelly, Little Bay and Gordons Bay, where 50-60 people were having a party.

People are being told to move on and no fines have yet been issued, he said.

Sophie Marriott and Chanel Cheung soaking up the sun at Bondi Beach on Sunday morning. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Flavio Brancaleone
Sophie Marriott and Chanel Cheung soaking up the sun at Bondi Beach on Sunday morning. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Flavio Brancaleone

A Waverley Council spokeswoman said 3000-4000 people had come to Bondi and while it appeared crowded from certain angles, drone footage showed people were behaving well.

“We’re hoping this continues,” she said.

The council’s lifeguard manager Matt du Plessis said people had been instructed to keep one beach towel’s distance from each other and all were complying, which was in contrast to March when the pandemic took hold.

“It’s actually been really great - everybody’s abiding health orders,” Mr du Plessis said.

People relax at Manly Beach on Sunday. Photo by Cassie Trotter/Getty Images
People relax at Manly Beach on Sunday. Photo by Cassie Trotter/Getty Images

“It’s been a long winter ... I think now everyone understands.

“We want to keep our beaches open.

“I think it will be a great summer. It’s up to individuals to do the right thing.”

There was a steady stream of well-behaved visitors to Bondi and Bronte on Saturday, with numbers surging around 2pm when the temperature reached 22C.

Read related topics:Coronavirus

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/sydney-beaches-crowded-as-weather-warms-distancing-concerns-for-little-bay/news-story/30a6cbc8f9c22934729cfb506c1d2d44