Beaches available for exercise; social distancing and gathering

Randwick City’s beaches including Coogee, Maroubra and Clovelly Beaches will be made available for exercise purposes only as of Monday 20 April 2020.

All Randwick City beaches were closed three weeks ago on 28 March to discourage large groups congregating at the beach.

Measures will be in place to ensure the beaches are accessed for exercise purposes only including sand jogging and walking, swimming, surfing and other exercise activities.

People must maintain 1.5 metres between each other, limit groups to two people and move on once they have completed their exercise. Sitting or sun-baking on the sand will not be permitted.

“Living along the coast, I know how important our beaches are to the mental and physical health of so many in the community,” explains Mayor Danny Said.

“The past three weeks have been difficult as we’ve all had to make changes and sacrifices to our daily routines.

“Our decision to close the beaches three weeks ago was not taken lightly and factored in the risk of coronavirus spread, particularly given the concentration of COVID-19 cases in the eastern suburbs area along with the popularity of our beaches.

“Our decision was also based upon expected crowd numbers and people’s initial behaviour in relation to social distancing rules.

“By not going to the beach, each of us has helped others in need. We’ve helped slow the spread and flatten the curve. I know it’s been tough, but I thank everybody for doing the right thing.

“Since the beach closures occurred, the Government has introduced new social distancing and group gathering restrictions to limit people’s uses of open spaces to exercise activities.

“We appreciate that with the current restrictions in place people are increasingly looking for access to more open spaces including water for their physical and mental well-being.

“I’m confident that with the support of swimming and surfing communities that we as a community can all help each to practice social distancing, stay safe and still enjoy our beaches for exercise.

“I need to stress that our beaches are not open to general use and can only be accessed for exercise. Activities such as sitting on the sand, sun-baking or gathering in groups will not be permitted and Council staff and police will be enforcing these restrictions.

“I urge everybody to do the right thing and practice social distancing while exercising so that we can maintain access for exercise purposes and get through this difficult period together,” commented Mayor Danny Said.

Ocean rock pools in Randwick City will remain closed until further notice as they are subject to a public health order to close.