Weekend and public holiday beach patrols to begin Saturday
Patrols will take place at some of the country's busiest beaches between 10am and 6pm
Weekend and public holiday patrols of some of the country’s busiest beaches will kick off this Saturday, running until the end of August.
The patrols will be carried out by community officers from the Local Enforcement Systems Agency (LESA) as part of efforts to promote cleanliness and public order, the Home Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
Officers will be stationed at Mellieħa Bay (Għadira), Għajn Tuffieħa, Golden Bay, Buġibba Perched Beach, Qawra Point, St George's Bay in St Julian's, Balluta Bay, Fond Għadir, Fajtata Bay, St Thomas Bay, Pretty Bay and St George's Bay in Birżebbuġa.
Patrols will take place between 10am and 6pm.
Home Affairs Minister Glen Bedingfield said: “Summer should be a time when everyone can enjoy Malta's beaches with peace of mind. Every person has the right to access safe, clean and well-managed public spaces”.
“The Beach Patrols are not solely about enforcement, but also about prevention, assistance and community service”, he said.
Patrolling officers will provide the public with guidance on beach regulations and safety measures while serving as a point of contact for those requiring assistance, he added.
Bedingfield thanked LESA community officers, the police, Malta Tourism Authority, Red Cross, lifeguards and other collaborating entities.
LESA CEO Svetlick Flores said the patrols had become an integral part of the agency's summer operations, with past years demonstrating the value of maintaining officers’ presence at beaches across the country.
“Their role goes beyond enforcement and focuses on prevention, assistance and direct engagement with the public,” he said.
“Whether providing guidance, offering support or responding to emergency situations, community officers contribute directly to safer public spaces and a more positive experience for everyone”.