The Del Mar City Council unanimously voted on an ordinance Feb. 3 to prevent beachgoers from digging potentially hazardous holes on local beaches.
“The City of Del Mar’s beaches are heavily used recreational spaces that must remain safe and accessible for residents, visitors, and public safety personnel,” according to a council agenda report. “Recently, staff and concerned members of the community have observed an increase in the digging of hazardous holes and the burying of individuals. This has resulted in safety concerns including collapse hazards, trip-and-fall risks, impediments to emergency vehicles and equipment, and potential injury or suffocation.”
Provisions of the ordinance include bans on digging holes 2 feet or deeper, burying individuals below the sand level, burying garbage or other waste in the sand, and holes left unattended regardless of their depth. Enforcement will include signage, warnings and possible fines for violations.
The ordinance is now pending a second reading at the council’s Feb. 17 meeting, and would take effect 30 days later.
Maggie Jones, management analyst for the city’s Community Services Department, said during the meeting that there “has been an increase in hazardous holes and the burying of individuals on the public beach in Del Mar.”
“This has been observed by community members as well as city staff,” Jones said. “These holes do pose significant safety concerns, including trip and fall risk, collapse hazards, damage to emergency vehicles, personnel, and the potential for suffocation and injury.”
Other local governments that have adopted similar ordinances include Imperial Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach.
“The goal is to clarify allowed activities, establish safety standards and ensure responsible beach use,” Jones said.