In the coastal city of Del Mar in Northern San Diego County, California, a recent ordinance was passed prohibiting digging holes deeper than 2 feet on the beach and playing the game of burying people in holes. This traditional beach game has long been a favorite pastime for many beachgoers, so why has it been banned?
Maggie Jones, an analyst with the Del Mar Community Services Department, told the city council that the holes on the beach have become a hazard, with instances of suffocation and an increase in accidents related to the digging of holes and burying people. Jones stated, “These holes pose serious safety issues, such as people stepping into them or falling in, causing injuries, and some holes impeding the passage of emergency vehicles.”
Before enacting this new ordinance, the city of Del Mar also considered the practices of other Southern California cities, such as Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, that have regulations regarding digging holes on the beach.
The ordinance in Del Mar also stipulates that regardless of the size of the hole dug on the beach, it must be filled in before leaving. Adults are responsible for filling in the holes dug by children.
Violators could face a fine of $100. However, the city government has stated that the focus will be on “education” to raise awareness about the potential hazards of leaving holes unfilled.
Digging holes and playing the burying game on the beach are almost indispensable traditional activities for many beach visitors. A local resident told San Diego’s CBS8, “Children love playing the digging game, and this ordinance robs them of that joy.”
A surfer informed CBS8, “Digging holes on the beach is a popular activity, but once people leave, with the incoming tide, these holes fill with seawater. If children inadvertently step into them, the water could reach up to their necks.”
Do these traditional games not pose any risks in the past? A San Diego resident shared with CBS8, “When I was a child, we often played building sandcastles on the beach, but after playing, I always made sure to fill in those holes before leaving.”
Several cities in the United States have similar regulations. Panama City Beach in Florida passed a similar ordinance, which will be enforced starting from March 1 as the peak spring tourism season approaches.