PSNI defends dispersing swimmers from Co Down beauty spot

The PSNI has defended the dispersal of swimmers from a Co Down beauty spot at the weekend.
By Mark Rainey
Published 30th Nov 2020, 18:09 BST
PSNI officers patrolling Helen's Bay in the early stages of the Covid pandemic restrictions in May this year. Photo: Declan Roughan /PresseyePSNI officers patrolling Helen's Bay in the early stages of the Covid pandemic restrictions in May this year. Photo: Declan Roughan /Presseye
PSNI officers patrolling Helen's Bay in the early stages of the Covid pandemic restrictions in May this year. Photo: Declan Roughan /Presseye

Up to eight officers are reported to have walked along the beach at Helen’s Bay advising people they would be fined £200 if they failed to leave as requested.

One of those in the water was undertaking a “mile an day” swimming challenge to raise money for charity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Police have said no fines were issued, however, one swimmer said there was a sense of “frustration” that the PSNI officers were targeting people involved in an outdoor, healthy activity.

“I was told to leave the beach immediately or get a £200 fine,” Gareth Murphy told the BBC’s Nolan Show yesterday.

“They thought it was an organised event but it wasn’t. So there was a lot of frustration with the police, but the point that I made to them was, I can get into my car, drive to IKEA or go to Tesco... and that’s fine.

“But I’m actually in the water swimming, where my mental health is improving, I’m stimulating my immune system, I’m feeling better – this is something that is good for me.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The local businessman added: “I’m not diluting the seriousness of the situation we are in. My challenge is the absurdity of where we are in how things are being dealt with, and what that’s going to do is lose public confidence in the things that are really important to control.

“Before I even got the towel around my shoulders I was approached and told I wasn’t wearing a mask and that I had to leave immediately.”

In response, a PSNI spokeswoman said they became aware of a “large number” of people gathered and that “police engaged with those gathered who then dispersed from the area”.

The spokeswoman added: “Our approach has been that we will engage, explain and encourage members of the community to comply with the Health Protection Regulations.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“While enforcement is our last resort, we have not, and will not, shy away from enforcement when it is necessary.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor