Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, presented the 2020 summer plan yesterday morning. Security, cleanliness, environment, and accessible beaches were discussed in this summer that promises to be very hot.
Since June 8, 2020, the Municipal Police has implemented enhanced surveillance. More patrols will be deployed during the most sensitive time slots, and the most exposed tourist sites such as Old Nice or the Promenade des Anglais will be more monitored. With very present law enforcement, the city of Nice reassures local and tourist populations and discourages potential criminals. On the sea side, the nautical brigade operates 7 days a week, informing and reminding boaters and beach users of the regulations. They are also present in case of an accident, assisting rescue services. All beaches will be accessible but always in accordance with the flag colors.
A brief reminder:
– Green flag: swimming supervised with no particular danger
– Orange flag: dangerous but supervised swimming
– Red flag: swimming prohibited
Surveillance is ensured from 9 am to 6:30 pm. A zodiac, a sea scooter, a rapid intervention boat from the fire brigade, and a helicopter are ready to intervene.
Cleanliness of the beaches: a priority
Sea water is used to clean the beaches, the rocks, and the port’s breakwater. Several tons of floating waste are collected every day thanks to four cleaning boats. Associations also come to collect waste bins and pick up waste polluting the beaches. Fifty agents are tasked with cleaning the beaches of the Promenade des Anglais in particular. Last year, 6 tons of floating waste were collected, a similar figure on the beaches. To prevent rapid degradation of the beaches, the Cleanliness Department and the Waste Collection Department have launched a civic campaign aimed at tourists and locals in July and August. 280 ashtrays are distributed along the Promenade, at various beach access points.
The environment, a major axis of Azur policies
An ambitious sanitation policy has been defined, focused on protecting receiving environments. Preserving the quality of watercourses ensures the quality of the main resources of drinking water. With the improvement of sewage treatment facilities, the metropolis ensures ever-better water quality. Moreover, weekly control provides a better representation of water quality thanks to a larger statistical sample.
Accessible beaches, high-quality amenities
As part of its policy to support people with disabilities, the city of Nice develops two labeled accessible beaches each year during the summer period, on the sites of Carras and Centenaire. Open seven days a week from 11 am to 6 pm, these beaches welcome anyone with specific needs with customized support for safe swimming. People with disabilities as well as the elderly can benefit from these facilities for free and without reservation. Fifteen beach assistants are present to support these individuals. Amphibious chairs allow access to the sea and adapted toilets are available. Buoys serving as markers for visually impaired people are installed at Carras. A minimum distance of 1.5 meters is recommended with gel and masks available.
