Council increases beach patrols to keep the community safe
Published on 18 December 2020
Frankston City Council has increased patrols across the City’s beaches, to help ensure residents and visitors feel safe this summer.
Frankston City Mayor, Kris Bolam, said as well as increasing their physical presence on the foreshore, Community Safety officers were working to enhance CCTV capabilities around the city.
“Officers will be patrolling every day during the summer peak periods, on foot and via Council’s All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), to support police, discourage disruptive and anti-social behaviour and enforce local laws and animal management regulations on and around our beaches,” the Mayor said.
“We will be expanding our existing CCTV network at the Seaford Foreshore, and are considering a request from Victoria Police to make a further budget provision for CCTV.
“We have also installed 31 additional bins along the beach between Frankston and Seaford, and increased their collections.”
Council’s ATV enhances the organisation’s enforcement arm by allowing officers to cover more of the beach in a shorter period of time and access areas unreachable in traditional vehicles.
While officers were patrolling on Frankston Beach this week, Cr Bolam dropped by to thank them for their dedication to the safety of the Frankston City community.
“Our Community Safety Team does an incredible job keeping our residents and visitors safe but the community also has a role to play.
“Making smart choices around the water, being respectful of others and remembering to be COVID-safe can prevent a lot of potential problems.”
The Mayor encouraged beach-goers to plan ahead when heading out to enjoy the City’s attractions.
“After spending most of the year in various stages of lockdown, many of us want to get out and about, support local businesses and enjoy the beautiful beaches, parks and gardens we are fortunate to have on our doorstep.
“Public spaces and beaches may have increased crowds, especially as more people holiday closer to home, so it’s a good idea to think about alternatives before you leave your house.”
Visit the Life Saving Victoria website to find alternate, patrolled swimming spots and updates about crowded or closed beaches.