Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command will be working closely with the local council this summer to keep locals and visitors to the area safe.
The plan targets visitors and regular users of some of Sydney’s most popular beaches including Clovelly, Coogee, Maroubra, Malabar, Little Bay and La Perouse.
Eastern Beaches PAC Commander, Superintendent Rohan Cramsie, said visitors are urged to plan ahead for a different holiday experience during the summer months this year.
“Officers will be focusing on policing licensed premises, public spaces and entertainment precincts in an effort to decrease anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence, while also ensuring adherence to current Public Health Orders,” Supt Cramsie said.
“We want people to enjoy themselves but for police to continue to manage public safety safely through the pandemic, both our local communities and visitors need to work with us, not against us,” he said.
Mayor of Randwick Council, Mr Danny Said, agreed that this summer will be different and urged people to remain cautious and mindful of social distancing.
“There’s nothing more Sydney than a summer’s day out at the beach, but we all know that this summer is going to be different,” Mr Said said.
“Our beaches are important destinations and our goal this summer is to keep them open. We’re asking for the public’s help – and working closely with local police – in ensuring crowd numbers don’t exceed safe capacities,” he said.
The council is encouraging visitors heading to the beach to follow six steps:
1. Check the COVID crowd capacity rating and live beach cams on www.randwick.nsw.gov.au before leaving home.
2. Wear a mask while getting to the beach if social distancing isn’t possible
3. Keep a towel’s length (1.5m) apart from other beach goers
4. Leave the beach once you’ve had a swim
5. Visit outside of peak times such as during the week, early mornings and evenings, and
6. Come back at a different time if the beach is busy.
Council’s website – www.randwick.nsw.gov.au – will be updated each day with a COVID crowd-capacity rating giving beachgoers the opportunity to pick the time of day and best beach to attend.
“COVID marshals will be out and about providing a prominent visual reminder of the need to social distance and I encourage people to follow their advice for everyone’s health and wellbeing,” Mr Said said.
“Additional technology such as live beach cameras and a COVID crowd capacity rating will give people real-time information to inform their choices before they leave home,” he said.
