Although the Waterways and Beach Activities Ordinance (Sec. 22.54S) was recently amended and approved by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC), the practical enforcement of one of the provisions has become a challenge for the county’s Code Compliance office.
The ordinance states: “Beach equipment must be set up and maintained on dry sand to ensure beach patrons the ability to traverse the beach unobstructed on all beaches within Walton County.” The ordinance also states that “beach equipment means items generally used for swimming, sunbathing or beach recreation, including, but not limited to, beach chairs, umbrellas, tents, hammocks and volleyball nets.”
Walton County Code Compliance Director Tony Cornman said, “What we have encountered are a few individuals that bring their personal beach chairs and place them on wet sand, sometimes in the surf. We want people to enjoy our beaches and not feel like their every move is being policed. However, we also want to make sure that beachgoers have no difficulty walking along the wet-sand beach shore.”
Cornman said he had conferred with County Administrator Stan Sunday regarding the issue. “We concluded that common sense should rule our enforcement practices. The most important thing here is for people to be able to walk unobstructed on the wet sand anywhere along our 26 miles of beaches,” said Cornman. “One chair does not constitute an obstruction, although multiple chairs might and, if they do obstruct the path of other beachgoers, those persons may be asked to move.”
“We are recognized as having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and we want everyone to be able to enjoy them,” said Cornman. “So, if everyone would demonstrate a little courtesy and respect for one another, then there will be no issues and beach fun and relaxation can be enjoyed by all.”
