Del Mar City Council bans digging holes at the beach

Beginning in March, people enjoying Del Mar Beach will no longer be able to dig holes of about two feet in depth. In early February, the Del Mar City Council unanimously voted to ban digging holes or burying people under the sand, citing a rise in injuries.

City leaders also stated concerns about instances of collapses, trip-and-fall risks, and the holes potentially making it more difficult for lifeguards and other emergency vehicles to get around.

“I think having holes or digging holes, building structures or whatever, let them use their own creativity,” said Valentina Woody, who was enjoying the beach with her kids on Sunday.

Woody isn’t particularly a fan of the ban. However, as a parent, she understands the goal of improving public safety.

“It is very weird,” said Woody. “I feel like I should have the freedom to do what I want on the beach, of course legally, and I think for me as a parent, my kids should be able to have open freedom and range to everything,” Woody added.

The ordinance goes into effect in March. Signs indicating the ban are expected to be put up around the beach. Violators could potentially face a fine, according to the ordinance.