Low tide reveals hidden danger on Del Monte Beach
Hidden hazards await on one central coast beach.
A danger has appeared as extreme tide conditions continue along our shorelines. now some residents in Monterey are wondering if something can be done to prevent an accident.
According to local divers, remnants from an old pier can be found along Del Monte Beach in Monterey. When the tide is really low, residents say they see metal beams sticking out of the sand.
It sounds something like burried treasure, but for Ron Waddy, these rusted metal beams seem like a bad accident waiting to happen for someone who may not know they are there. “I saw a rock bed but I saw something sticking out of the rock bed that looked like rusted steel beams and they in fact were rusted steel beams.”
Waddy says last month he discovered the beams on the sand near two pedestrian access points, closest to where Camino Aguajito would cross the beach. “Probably counted about a dozen of them maybe sticking a couple of feet out of the sand, some straight, some bent.” This picture from 1920 on the city of Monterey’s website shows where the old dock used to stand. With pictures to prove the hazard, Waddy says he contacted state parks, prompting a response from Monterey fire and police to document the objects as well. “A beach goer, especially a kid, a boogey-boarder, with the right swell; there are waves here and I’m concerned they’ll be sent head first into one of these steel beams.”
On Monday, what Waddy calls a hidden hazard, still wasn’t revealed during king tide conditions. We were not able to see metal beams, even at the lowest tide of the day. Some long-time residents say they’re not too concerned because they are aware of them. “So when we’re here and they’re showing then I alter where I throw the ball. When they’re not showing I throw the ball and we hope for the best.” But for Waddy, it’s those who may not be aware, like tourists, who he thinks need a heads up. “There are already signs that warn about tide and warn about rip tides, just add submerged hazards and do that at every point of entry…”
