Full Notification

ADDITIONAL BEACH ACTIVITY LIMITS DURING PEAK HOURS Due to overwhelming weekend beach crowds that undermined State and local Shelter-in-Place orders, the County of Santa Cruz is implementing new rules to limit beach activity during peak usage hours. 
 
As part of an updated Shelter-in-Place order, Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel is expected to issue new restrictions limiting daily beach activities. While beaches remain available only for recreational activities to promote physical and mental health, beginning this weekend, beaches will off-limits for all activities between the hours of 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 
 
“Despite warnings against travelling to Santa Cruz County for beach access and against congregating on beaches, local law enforcement spent the weekend responding to numerous issues all along our coastline,” Sheriff Jim Hart said. “Unfortunately, these actions are necessary to protect the health and welfare of our most vulnerable residents. The Sheriff’s Office, the police departments and State Parks will do everything we can to support the Health Officer and enforce her revised order.”
 
Previous limits on beach activities such as lying, sitting, standing, sunbathing, sightseeing and other non-exercise related activities remain in place. No umbrellas, barbecues, coolers, beach chairs, shade structures, tents or other equipment will be allowed at any time. 
 
Water-based activities such as surfing, paddleboarding, boogie boarding, swimming, snorkeling and kayaking will not be impacted by the order. Beaches may be traversed to participate in these activities. Additionally, facilities adjacent to beaches such as parkways, sidewalks and trails will remain open. Non-beach areas of local parks are unaffected by the order, though they remain subject to restrictions put in place by State and local jurisdictions.  
 
The order will remain in effect until revised by the Santa Cruz County Health Officer. 
 
For local information on COVID-19, go to www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus, call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211. Residents may also call (831) 454-4242 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., seven days a week.

https://www.santacruzhealth.org/Portals/7/Pdfs/Coronavirus/BeachRestrictions.04292020.pdf