Orange County’s CEO Frank Kim has a warning for beachgoers looking to enjoy the ocean this weekend as temperatures rise: make sure to follow the governor’s stay-at-home orders.
If not, the county’s beaches could be shut down, Kim said.
“We’re watching and if it’s overrun and there’s not social distancing, I’ll probably close beaches next week,” he said.
On Tuesday, Supervisor Lisa Bartlett tried to have the beaches closed during the anticipated heatwave, but her motion died for lack of a second. Bartlett said she was concerned that beachgoers from San Diego, Los Angeles and the Inland Empire were heading to Orange County’s beaches because they are the only ones open at this time.
Last month, the county shut down the parking lots to its beaches and officials think that has been an effective enough deterrent. Neighbors, however, have been complaining about a surge of parking issues as a result.
Laguna Beach has closed all of its beaches,which has led to a great deal of parking on residential streets nearby, Laguna Beach police Sgt. Jim Cota said.
Laguna Beach police have deployed their reserve officers and even detectives to roving teams to help enforce social distancing, the sergeant said.
Since the shutdown of the city’s beaches last month, “everything has been good so far, but we’re bracing for what happens this weekend,” Cota said.
“We’re expecting terrific weather and a surge of people coming to town for the county beaches … We’re going to educate, seek compliance. If they violate city or state laws, officers can cite or arrest.”
Laguna Beach police are also on the lookout for demonstrations that have popped up among some residents who are calling for a lifting of quarantine restrictions, Cota said.
In Newport Beach, the city will continue to allow access to beaches and parks, but “with a visible presence from police officers, lifeguards and park patrols staff to maintain social distancing,” according to city spokesman John Pope.
Beach parking lots and piers will remain closed, along with the Oceanfront Boardwalk, the Balboa Island Bayfront Walkway and the Wedge, a popular destination for surfers. The city has also closed outdoor recreation areas such as tennis, basketball and pickleball courts, as well as playgrounds and soccer and baseball fields.
The aim is to allow access to the beaches for residents to exercise and get fresh air and sun.
Huntington Beach Fire Battalion Chief Eric McCoy said beach parking lots and metered parking on Pacific Coast Highway have been shut down. The pier and grassy areas along the beach have also been closed, he said.
“We have placed signs along the entire beach area in regard to social distancing,” McCoy said. “We will also have increased patrols from the police and fire department marine safety division along the beach reminding patrons to socially distance. Hourly messages in regard to social distancing will be made over the public address system from the lifeguard tower on the pier.”