Da Nang reopened its beaches from September 30 after more restrictions were lifted. Swimming is only allowed from 4:30am to 6:30am and gatherings are not allowed. All beach-goers are required to stick to the city’s COVID-19 guidelines in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

Guards and lifeguards are on duty to monitor beach activity and the safety of swimmers at the Pham Van Dong Beach in Son Tra District. Photo: PHUONG UYEN

The Management Board of Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang tourist beaches is making every effort to ensure that beach-goers follow good infection control practice at all times and that they are familiar with infection control policies, procedures and guidance from the municipal government and health bodies. The focus is on placing signage at regular intervals along beaches and increasing beach patrols, reminding everyone to maintain a distance of at least 2m from others, and wear face masks.

In addition, the heed is paid on taking action against COVID-19 rule violators and imposing harsh punishments on those who are found violating face mask and social distancing rules.

According to the Management Board of Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang Tourist beaches, staff and lifeguards are available on the beach to keep swimmers safe. All beach-goers are asked to swim only in areas designated by ropes and buoys where lifeguards are present as well as leave the beach as soon as you can once they have finished their swim. Besides, everyone is required to wear a face covering while on the beach, except that they are in the water.

Gatherings of any size are prohibited at beaches. Using a QR code for visitor management is made mandatory in the beach.

Beach-goers are required to complete a health control form online on the city-developed apps and obtain their QR Code to show it at parking areas. Da Nang-launched mobile applications allow users to prove vaccination against COVID-19, testing or prior illness.

Barriers are erected at some beach access points to tighten controls at beaches and enhance surveillance of beach-goers to make sure that they are following the recommended safety precautions. Beach public toilets have now been reopened.

Staff members from the Management Board of Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang Tourist beaches are out in force patrolling beaches to make sure that people who stroll or do exercise on the beach wear a face mask and maintain a distance of at least 2m from others as well as gatherings do not occur.

Special trash cans to collect the used facial masks from beach-goers are also placed along the beach. Loudspeakers are being has put up across the beach and at parking spaces and portable loudspeaker systems are used to remind beachgoers of the current health orders.

A combined total of 49 guards and 93 lifeguards are on duty to monitor beach activity and the safety of swimmers.

Reporting by PHUONG UYEN – translating by H.L