The City of Newport Beach prohibits surfing at the Wedge during peak hours and closes adjacent beach during COVID-19 on April 10 2020.
The City will prohibit surfing at the Wedge between 10:00am and 5:00pm beginning Friday April 10 2020 and close the adjacent beach area to discourage public gatherings at one of Newport Beach’s most popular surf spots.
The Newport Beach Fire Department, which oversees beach lifeguards, made the recommendation Thursday April 9 2020, after observing higher numbers of surfers at the Wedge, and spectators gathering to watch them, during this week’s strong swell.
Beginning Friday, blackball flags will be flown in the Wedge area, which extends from the West Harbor Jetty to Lifeguard Tower P. City crews have begun installing 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.
The Wedge is closed to all surfboards and flotation devices from 10:00am to 5:00pm starting May 1 through October 31 each year.
The City’s directive advances the seasonal blackball order by about three weeks.
Overall beach use in Newport Beach is down significantly, by as much as 95 percent or more, since the Governor’s order was issued and the City closed beach parking lots.
Most beach goers are practicing responsible social distancing.
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.
For more information please visit The City of Newport Beach
Newport Beach Recreation Closures During COVID-19
These measures are intended to reduce congestion and limit public gatherings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases in Orange County.
For the health and safety or our community, it is imperative that we all follow the Governor’s stay-at-home, social distancing directive.
April 11 2020: Balboa Island Bayfront Walkway
While the recently installed “one-way” directional signage improved social distancing, maintaining safe distances along the narrow Bayfront Walkway has been challenging.
April 10 2020: The Wedge Surfing is Limited to Off Peak Hours
April 10 2020: Beach Adjacent to the Wedge is closed
April 8 2020: West Jetty Park on the Balboa Peninsula
Other City parks remain open, and patrons are generally practicing safe social distancing.
However, the relatively small West Jetty Park made social distancing difficult.
April 3 2020: Oceanfront Boardwalk on the Balboa Peninsula
April 2 2020: Buck Gully Hiking Trail
Buck Gully is a narrow trail that makes social distancing difficult.
March 25 2020: Newport Beach and Balboa Piers Closed
March 25 2020: Newport Beach Parking Lots Closed
Closed: Playground Equipment/Fitness Facilities/Courts/Dog Parks
