A POLICE operation along Frankston beach, foreshore and boardwalk area will focus on tackling anti-social behaviour.
Acting Sergeant Eva Marshall said Operation Baywatch will focus on public order, youths causing trouble, thefts and robberies, drinking in public places and large groups of youths intimidating beachgoers, as well as violence offences.
The operation will also take in the Wells St and licenced precinct area.
“The message we want to convey is: ‘The beach belongs to everyone – we’re making sure of it,’” she said.
“We want to raise the public perception of safety in the area.”
Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Commodore Mark Bainbridge said the squadron supported Operation Baywatch.
“We are extremely lucky in Frankston to have such a wonderful beach for all of us to enjoy,” he said.
“Unfortunately, a great day out at the beach can turn into a disaster with people doing the wrong thing and not obeying the laws that have been put in place to keep everyone safe.
“If swimmers keep 50 metres clear of boat launching facilities, if boaties and jet skiers stay in boating zones and stick to 5-knot speed limit within 200 metres of the shoreline and 50 metres of swimmers, we should all be safe and can all enjoy the water.
“Jet skiers have earned themselves the title of ‘Hoons of the Water’. For most this title is not warranted but, for a few, it is, and these are the ones that need to stop and think about what they are doing and whose lives they are putting in danger.
“There is a lot of water out there, [so] if you need to go 100kph, go one or two kilometres offshore where it is safer to do so.
“The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard is an emergency service marine search and rescue provider. Our motto is ‘Safety By All Means’.
“Please enjoy summer, boating and the beach and keep that motto in the back of your mind.”
Police have asked Frankston Coastguard, Frankston Life Saving Club and Frankston Council to call 9784 5570 when they see large groups congregating, and specifically youths drinking.
“We will endeavour to respond and move them on prior to any trouble occurring,” Acting Sergeant Marshall said.
Anyone seeing an offence should call 000 in the first instance and not the police station.
The operation is set to run on days over 35 degrees and at public events.
1 Comment
How about fining people for littering the beach, or is that no longer an offence?
It’s a disgrace the filthy state beaches are left in after a busy summers day.