"Swim & Go" measures for beaches

New ‘swim & go’ measures introduced at Woollahra beaches and harbour pools will provide a safe way to exercise while maintaining social distancing.

Commencing Wednesday 6 May, a quick swim, a walk or run or launching watercraft will be possible at the following locations:

Beaches: Camp Cove Beach, Double Bay Beach, Gibsons Beach, Kutti Beach, Lady Martin’s Beach, Parsley Bay Beach / Reserve, Seven Shillings Beach, Watsons Bay Beach, Rose Bay Beach (Rose Bay Park / Bellamy Beach). Dog walking is also permitted on Rose Bay Foreshore (Tingira Memorial Park to Dumaresq Reserve)
Harbourside pools: Murray Rose Pool (Redleaf), Watsons Bay Baths
Access to the water and sand is permitted for the sole purpose of exercise. Sunbathing or resting on the beach before or after swimming or exercise is not allowed.

The decision was made by Woollahra Council in consultation with health authorities, police, the local community and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which manages some harbour beaches located within the Woollahra Municipality, including Nielsen Park.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Woollahra Council’s objective has been the protection of our community, and we had implemented closures due to an unacceptable risk of overcrowding as our beaches are much smaller than those in other municipalities.

We are now at a point where we can responsibly move to a carefully managed re-opening for swimming and exercise,” Mayor of Woollahra Susan Wynne said.

These measures will be regularly reviewed and beaches may be closed again if appropriate social distancing requirements are not adhered to or large gatherings occur.

“We will be closely monitoring all our beaches and if numbers become too great or people are not observing social distancing regulations, we will not hesitate to implement closures – the health and safety of the community is our primary focus,” the Mayor said.

“If we all do the right thing, take a quick swim, run or walk and then leave, our beaches can remain open for everyone to enjoy.”

This operational plan will guide Council’s management of the reopening of our beaches and swimming locations for ‘swim and go’ and exercise and it is subject to change.