Surfers and ocean swimmers are being unfairly discriminated against by the complete closure of access to the ocean under the current beach closure regime. Even the NSW Police Service has confirmed that access to ocean exercise activities is not prohibited under the lockdown laws. Denying us our regular exercise for months is a serious health issue which needs to be addressed by State and Local governments.

We ask that some controlled access to the ocean for exercise and recreation, complying with strict social distancing practices be allowed. We ask that council lifeguards and NSW Police make arrangements to control this access and manage the resource for all. It would be possible for police and lifeguards already posted at Sydney Eastern suburbs beaches (Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Coogee, Maroubra) to oversee individuals entering the ocean for exercise and ensure there was no loitering or gatherings above the current 2 person limit.

Maintaining physical and mental health over the coming months is recognised as essential. Many of us are experiencing great hardship at this time and no access to our beloved ocean is an added, cruel and unnecessary hardship which must end.