A report by television station KNTV in Los Angeles said Thursday that LA beaches will soon be levying fines for those who throw footballs or Frisbees on their beaches.
The fines, which could cost violators up to $1,000, are an attempt to protect beach attendees from being hit by flying objects, the report stated. Special permission would be necessary for a person to be allowed to have such objects on the beach, and "no structure used for ball-playing purposes" (like a goal) will be permitted on the beach, according to KNTV.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors said this is the first time since the 1980s that beach rules had been updated. The 37-page local law was written to clear up what will be allowed on beaches going forward. According to the report, it also clarified the powers and duties of lifeguards to keep order.
Now, from late May to early September, the only objects allowed on the beach for play are beachballs and beach volleyballs, the law states. Other "light objects" have been deemed possibly dangerous, and would result in a fine if used on the beaches.
A spokeswoman for the new law told KNTV, "The rules are put in place so that during a busy, crowded summer beach day, no one is put at risk by a spontaneous football game."
Also banned by the new law is the digging of any sandpits by children that are deeper than 18 inches, but an exception to that rule may be granted during television and film productions.
