Surfing, Spectating Off Limits At The Wedge

NEWPORT BEACH, CA —Too many spectators hit the sands at the Wedge Thursday to watch surfers at work during the recent swell, officials say. Overall, beach use in Newport Beach is down significantly, by as much as 95 percent or more, since the Governor's order was issued. Now, the city of Newport Beach closed the beach parking lots.

The solution, recommended by the Newport Beach Fire Department, was to curtail surfing at the Wedge between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. beginning Friday, April 10.

The Wedge is typically closed to all surfboards and floatation devices from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 1 through October 31 each year in what is called a "seasonal blackball order."

The city's directive advances the blackball order by about three weeks.

Most beachgoers are practicing responsible social distancing, a city spokesperson says.

City lifeguards, park patrol, and police officers have been monitoring the beaches to encourage social distancing and look for problem areas where social distancing is not being practiced.

The adjacent beach area would also be closed to discourage public gatherings at one of Newport Beach's most famous surf spots.

City crews worked to install temporary fencing from the West Harbor Jetty to M Street to discourage spectators from gathering in violation of the Governor's "stay at home" order.