The Friends of Bates Beach recognizes that drug dealing, vandalism, and lewd behavior have no business on a beach, nor in any public place.

We strongly support the enforcement of anti-lewd behavior laws both on the beach, and anywhere else in public. Knowing that a semi-deserted stretch of beach often attracts people so inclined, it is important that the beach-going community organize to help law enforcement when such incidents occur.

Due to budget cuts and other higher priorities around the south county, Santa Barbara sheriff deputies and undercover officers patrol Bates only occasionally patrol Bates. In fact, during the summer months, the Parks Department puts a security guard into a trailer up in the parking lot as a deterrent to crime above the beach. But it isn't enough.

The Friends of Bates Beach volunteer to assist law enforcement in this endeavor by establishing a form of Neighborhood Wqatch called a Beach Watch.

L: Lloyd Johnson, organizer of the Beach Watch program in San Diego, talks with lifeguards.
R: Haulover Beach (Florida) Ambassadors

Several other beaches in the country have their own Beach Watch programs. In south Florida, they are called Beach Ambassadors. The volunteers wear special colored hat, and make a point of welcoming all the beach visitors when they arrive, distributing Behavior Etiquette Guidelines and a complimentary trash bag all the while watching for any inappropriate behavior.

If someone is suspected of misbehaving, or even just staring at a another's child too much, the Ambassadors make a point of talking to the person and reminding them of the Beach Watch program. These people usually are ashamed of being discovered and leave the beach immediately. On those rare occasions when they refuse, the Ambassadors call the local sheriff. After awhile the word gets out this is not a safe beach for this kind of activity.

How Are Beach Watch Ambassador Volunteers Recruited?

Actually, it quite easy: from the regulars who come to the beach. Thos who come often feel they have a stake in keeping the beach clean and free of crime. Individually they may do nothing but when they see a group of people working the program, volunteers are easy to recruit.

One of our proposals is to repopulate the northern end of the beach rather quickly by designating it as a clothing-optional area, as it was for over 40 years. We find people who come to such beaches have a higher sense of responsibility for keeping things cleans and for keeping their neighbors acting withing the Behavior Guidlines we distribute. At many of the other beaches around the country with Beach Wacth programs, they have had a tremendously positive impact on the program.

Beach Watch Ambassadors Also Keep the Beach Clean

Click here to read about our annual California Beach Cleanup Day.

At other beaches, the Beach Watch Ambassadors also work with any local Homeowner’s Association on mutual programs and to smooth over any disagreements that may occur. We expect to do the same thing at Bates Beach.

Testimonials and References:

We have references here from both the Mayor and Chief of Police of Miami, and others, attesting to the efficiency of the beach volunteers to keep their beach safe and clean. CLICK HERE (PDF file).