Monterey Bay beaches closed for Labor Day

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) Beaches across the Central Coast are closed for Labor Day in an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Cities are only allowing ocean activities at beaches from Santa Cruz down to Carmel.

The beach closures were also in effect over the weekend. 

We saw a few dozen people out on Del Monte Beach in Monterey Monday afternoon.

Officers with Monterey Police Department were out patrolling the beaches to make sure people people followed the rules. They told us they’ve only had to issue a small amount of citations.  

Ocean access is only open for water activities like swimming, surfing and paddle boarding. Lounging around, sitting and sunbathing are not allowed, and if you’re caught sitting, you’ll likely be told to move along.

“If you come to the beach, you should get in the ocean. You can hang out somewhere else if you’d like to but I think it’s pretty reasonable restrictions,” Monterey resident Brookelynn Scott said.

Most people we spoke with Monday afternoon don’t mind the restrictions, but some who didn’t want to go on camera felt the closures are a bit too much.

Monterey PD told KION they have extra officers out on the beaches.

“We have contacted hundreds of people on the beaches in violation but the vast majority of people have complied after being spoken to by officers. We have had to issue just a small amount of citations,” Monterey PD Sgt. Jeremiah Ruttschow said.

Neighbors who live around the beach say they’re glad to see officers on patrol.

“I think it’s important because it really discourages social gatherings," said Emily Charelian, who lives near Del Monte Beach.

Parking is also blocked off and we saw parking enforcement officers driving around the neighborhood.

Violators of the beach closure rules could face a $1,000 fine.

Here's a map from the City of Monterey of the beaches that have restrictions for the Labor Day weekend: