Surf Cat

San Clemente city beaches are set to reopen on Saturday, a test study on how beachgoers will behave on a hot summer-like day while stay-at-home orders for the coronavirus are still in place.

As a heat wave hits this weekend, some people will likely be seeking cool relief – but for those looking to hang out on the sand or surf, it won’t be an easy task.

Some beaches are closed completely, and you might even get a fine for trying. Other areas are open, but with parking lots closed or parking restrictions in place to discourage lots of visitors. At some beaches, bringing a towel and hanging out is allowed at appropriate social distances, but in the next town over you’ll only be allowed  “active recreation.”

With various beaches managed by different government agencies, the rules and regulations can get confusing. And then you have to ask: Is it worth the risk to be among the crowds flocking to the coast during the coronavirus concerns?

Newport Beach spokesperson John Pope said there was an uptick in crowds on Friday and lifeguards are staffing up for the weekend.

“They are definitely preparing for bigger crowds, having to go out and talking to people if they don’t seem to be following the rules, approaching people who seem like they are in bigger groups than they should be — anything that looks like they are not following social distancing rules,” Pope said. “I think this weekend is going to be a big test to see where things are at.”

Though San Clemente’s city beaches will be open, Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies, city recreational staff and lifeguards will be out to remind people of social distancing, said Councilwoman Laura Ferguson. “Public outreach has been the preferred approach.”

At some parts of San Clemente, you’ll be able to stroll the sand and even go for a surf, but not hang out on a beach towel to sunbathe. San Clemente’s decision to reopen also includes its popular coastal trail, where walkers, joggers and bikers frequently exercise along a dirt pathway.

Walking, running and jogging will be allowed at San Clemente beaches, along with ocean recreation such as swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, bodyboarding, skimboarding and kayaking, officials said.

What’s not allowed? Gathering in groups of 10 or more, picnics, setting up chairs, beach towels or blankets and staying in place, hanging out in picnic pavilions or under palapas. And, the fire rings are also closed.

And, show up to other area’s along San Clemente’s coast and you’ll be met with closures signs and fences that block access completely.

State Parks decided its stretches of sand will remain closed for now, meaning popular areas such as San Clemente State Beach and  Calafia State Beach within the city’s borders, and nearby San Onofre just south of the seaside town, will not be accessible to the public.

“With the warm weather, it’s only natural people want to make use of parks and beaches, but we are encouraging them to stay home. We want to make sure people know that many of our parks and beaches are closed or have very limited access to make sure we’re all abiding and practicing physical distancing,” said Lisa Mangat, director of California State Parks. “As the governor said, our goal is to make sure people are safe, and that we’re mitigating the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible.”

Even San Clemente’s city beaches will be tough to access, with parking lots near the pier and North Beach still shut down and restrictions on residential streets near the beach.

The City Council voted this week to open beaches back up after a two-week shut down that was aimed at deterring crowds that were showing up following other closures in San Diego, Los Angeles, Laguna Beach and Seal Beach.

Megan Walla, who created a petition urging officials to open beaches back up, was thrilled about San Clemente opening its beaches to locals, even if it means just to recreate.

“I think it’s such a little thing, but it gives so much hope for the future,” she said. “If you’re going to confine me to my town, let me move my body while I’m here. I feel like this will allow us to see it through.”

Laguna Beach city leaders have been very clear this week, show up at their city-operated beaches this weekend, and you may be slapped with a fine.

Some of the beaches further south are county run, such as Aliso Beach, and still open to the public.

Other area beaches, including Doheny State Beach and county-operated beaches Salt Creek and Strands Beach in Dana Point, have remained open with access limited by closing parking lots. Newport and Huntington beaches remain open, but also have parking restrictions.

In Santa Monica, officials also warned people if they came out to the pier and beaches this weekend, police will be out in force.

Los Angeles County’s public health director, Barbara Ferrer, advised people not to get in their cars and drive to other counties, including Orange County, that might have some loosened restrictions along the coast, noting that people could still be exposed to the coronavirus and then bring it back home.