Fines of up to $1,000 (£630) are to be imposed for throwing American footballs or Frisbees on Los Angeles beaches in an attempt to protect sunbathers from flying objects. The penalties will be enforced during the peak summer months against anyone who tries to "cast, toss, throw, kick or roll any ball, tube or light object, other than a beach ball or beach volleyball, upon or over any beach".
Anyone intending to use a spherical football for a kick-around would need special permission and "no structure used for ball-playing purposes," such as a goal, is to be allowed.
The severe sounding measures were included in a 37-page local law drawn up by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors which sought to clarify what is allowed on beaches, and the powers and duties of lifeguards to keep order.
There had been a previous general restriction against the throwing of "light objects" that could be dangerous. But anything other than a beachball or beach volleyball has now been specifically banned between late May and early September.
The Board of Supervisors said it was the first time beach rules had been updated since the 1980s, and the clarification would allow them to be better enforced.
A spokeswoman said: "The rules are in place so that during a busy, crowded summer beach day, no one is put at risk by a spontaneous football game." Other outlawed activities deemed potentially dangerous to beachgoers include the digging of any sandpits by children that reach a depth of more than 18 inches. Exceptions to that rule may be granted for film and television productions.
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