LA County Beaches And Harbors and the crime approving mayor of LA have stated that no sunbathing, sitting, or laying on the beaches.

But an LA County Lifeguard Captain said all that is allowed via a Fox 11 News statement:

“There are still no umbrellas, no coolers and we don’t want large social gatherings,” said L.A. County Fire Lifeguard Captain A.J. Lester. “You can come down absolutely with your family, lay on a towel, sunbathe, watch your kids run in and out of the water, just try to do it near an open lifeguard tower.”

Fox 11 News added:

"Those in the same household are now welcome to sit on towels on the beach – an amendment to the COVID-19 beach restrictions for “active-use only.”

So basically, sitting and laying out on the beaches is allowed, but it is not allowed. Maybe the lifeguards are fed up with having to enforce these BS rules, as those that have been out on beaches already know people are and have been doing it all anyways.

For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

On May 22,2020, LA County released this updated set on Beach Rules ALLOWED:

- Individual or family ocean activities (such as surfing, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and body surfing)
- Individual or family active recreation & exercise (such as walking, running and using the beach bike path)

NOT ALLOWED:

- Sunbathing, or sitting or lying on sand
- Picnicking
- Chairs, canopies or coolers
- Group or organized sports (such as volleyball)
- Gatherings or events
- Fishing

HEALTH & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: - More than 6 feet physical distance from others at all times (except between members of same household)
- Face coverings, when out of the water AND around others (except for children under age 2 and those with breathing problems)
- Stay at home if you, or someone you live with, is sick

CLOSURES STILL IN EFFECT (until further notice):

- Piers – CLOSED
- Beach Accessways – CLOSED
- Beach Volleyball Courts – CLOSED





For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

Once again, these city "officials" are sending out mixed messages about what is going on. This time these nitwits are releasing mixed statements regarding the beach parking lots.

This afternoon, the crime approving mayor made this announcement: "We are reopening the city beach parking lots at Cabrillo and Venice Beach as well as the beach bike paths — this is in addition to the County opening paths and lots at partial capacity at Dockweiler State Beach, Will Rogers State Beach, Zuma Beach, and Surfrider Beach."

One Hour later, LA Beaches & Harbors makes this announcement: "PLEASE NOTE: We will NOT be opening the County-operated beach parking lots at Venice Beach. The lots at Washington Blvd, Venice Blvd and Rose Ave will remain CLOSED for Memorial Day weekend."

Since, Beaches And Harbors apparently has the priority (the keys) on these lots, it's what they say that goes, and they are not opening the Venice lots.

And anyone who has actually been to the beaches already knows the bike paths have been open for a long time now.


For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

ZUMA & SURFRIDER PARKING LOTS OPENED AT LIMITED CAPACITY & ACCESSWAYS UNLOCKED
LA County Department of Beaches and Harbors announced the opening of parking lots for limited capacity at select beaches throughout the County, including Zuma Beach and Surfrider Beach in Malibu. County disaster service workers will be at the lots to advise beach patrons of the COVID-19 related rules. In addition, County-operated beach access ways throughout the City will be unlocked during posted hours to allow easier public access to beaches.


For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

According to Surfline, "Fading surf through the Memorial Day holiday. New Southern Hemisphere swell has surf rebounding next week"



Monday, May 18th: 3-4′ at most breaks, 4-6’+ sets at standouts — Light AM onshore wind but manageable.

Saturday, May 23rd: 2-3′ at many breaks, Eddy winds linger for the AM.
Easing blend of SSW swell and NW windswell. Breaks with decent exposure see surf in the waist-high range with good summer/combo breaks a notch better on sets. Light to moderate SW trending W winds 4-9kts+ for the afternoon will ease in the evening.

Sunday, May 24th: 2′ at many breaks, Light AM wind.
Leftover SSW swell and minor NW windswell energy. Most breaks are below waist high with good summer/combo breaks right around that mark. Light/variable wind early trends onshore through the morning. Light to moderate SW trending W winds 4-9kts+ for the afternoon will ease in the evening.

Travel along the California coast to surf Big Malibu as Dewey Weber, Miki Dora, Lance Carson and the local boyz strut their stuff on the wave they all claimed, that stretch of sand along Pacific Coast highway called Surfrider Beach. Hear a new original score that will take you back to a time when the beaches were pure and the waves were always breaking- surf music that makes you long for the Rendezvous’ Ballroom, laying down the line for the “Surfer’s Stomp!”

The average water temps as of May 21st. Temps have dropped since last week.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Santa Monica Pier 360 event has been cancelled.

"While this is disappointing news, the safety of our team and athletes is our top priority. If you’re already registered, your fee will be refunded automatically. We look forward to seeing you in 2021!"




For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

On Thursday at approximately 10:45AM, La County Lifeguards responded to a reported missing off 34th street in Manhattan Beach

Dive 1 was on scene conducting sub surfaces searches. Lifeguards conducted searches of the surf line. Air Ops are on scene conducting an aerial search.

5 Dive team members conducted a sub surface search and 15 free divers searched throughout the surf zone. The area has been saturated with no findings.

According to the Manhattan Beach Police Department, no outstanding missing persons are reported.

At approximately 11:50am, all Lifeguard sub surface searches have been concluded. LG beach units and Baywatch rescue boats will remain on seen patrolling.




Photos: LACoFD Lifeguard Division