Residents of Bluff have raised concerns over excessive public drinking, which they say has led to a surge in drug use, violence, and drownings in the area. On Monday evening, the Bluff Ratepayers and Residents Association (BRRA) organized a protest to demand more police visibility and action to curb the growing problem.
As demonstrators gathered, police officers were present on the sidelines, instructing individuals caught with alcohol to dispose of their drinks. Despite their efforts, the beach and its surrounding areas were strewn with empty bottles, and some individuals openly consumed alcohol near the kiddie pool area.
Resident Warren Kerr highlighted the severity of the issue, describing it as a daily occurrence. “The amount of drinking that goes on here is horrific. It goes on until the late hours. We come down here at 7 a.m., and there are drunk people all over the place,” he said.
Fellow resident Cay Loader emphasized the importance of balancing rights with responsibilities. “Everybody has a right to the beach, but I believe that with every right, there is a responsibility,” Loader stated, urging visitors to show respect for the environment and the community.
A local lifeguard shared troubling accounts of rescuing intoxicated swimmers and confronting individuals under the influence of drugs. He stressed the need for stricter police measures, including thorough searches of vehicles and individuals entering the beach area.
The protest drew approximately 100 participants, who gathered to discuss potential solutions and receive a memorandum outlining their demands. The document will be handed over to authorities in a bid to address the community’s concerns and restore safety to the beach.
The BRRA hopes that the demonstration will prompt a stronger police presence and a more robust approach to tackling alcohol-related issues in Bluff.