Supervisors to Clarify 'Balls, Flying Discs' OK on County Beaches

Just months after Frisbee and football fans expressed outrage over rumors of hefty fines if caught partaking in either of the sports on county beaches, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today will clarify county code to reflect that it's OK to toss a ball or flying disc on the beach.

Part of the amended code reads: "Individuals and small groups shall be allowed at all times to cast, toss, throw, kick, roll, hit, propel, or catch any ball, flying disc, including a Frisbee, tube, or any light-weight object upon or over any beach, or in or over the Pacific Ocean, provided that the involved activity is carried out in such a manner so as not to endanger any person or property on or near the beach." The Board of Supervisors is set to adopt the ordinance today.

A firestorm of complaints—some even coming from other countries—hit Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky's office in February that that anyone tossing a football or a Frisbee on the beach could be fined $1,000.

The Board of Supervisors in February to clearly state that football, Frisbee and similar sports are OK, unless the safety of other beachgoers is in danger or a lifeguard tells those playing to stop.

During peak summer months, the rules still do allow for games in specially designated parts of the beach or with the permission of a lifeguard or the Department of Beaches and Harbors, said Carol Baker, a spokeswoman for the Department of Beaches and Harbors, in a previous report. Beachgoers could face fines up to $500 for playing in nondesignated areas—up to $100 for a first violation; up to $200 for a second violation of the same ordinance within one year and a fine up to $500 for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year.