City Council Meeting 6-8-04 Santa Monica, California

TO: Mayor and City Council

FROM: City Staff

SUBJECT: Ordinance Amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Sections 10.08.620, 10.08.640 and 10.08.700 Relating to Diving Off of and Swimming Near the Santa Monica Pier

Introduction

The attached, proposed ordinance would amend the Municipal Code to allow City employees performing routine duties, persons participating in City authorized Community Events, and safety personnel protecting or saving lives to dive off the Pier and swim near it. The ordinance is presented to the City Council for first reading.

Background

Currently, the Municipal Code prohibits diving off the Santa Monica Pier except in two situations: life saving efforts and exhibitions authorized by the Harbor Master. Additionally, the Municipal Code prohibits swimming near the Pier except for servicing or repairing vessels and water skiing and aquaplaning activities.

Discussion

City employees must enter the water around the Pier to perform maintenance on the Pier. In addition, safety personnel may need to dive off the Pier or swim near it in order to rescue endangered swimmers or others in the water. Also, Community Events may take place that involve diving off the Pier or swimming near it. Such events may only be undertaken pursuant to a Community Events Permit, and the permit would be conditioned to ensure safety. The attached, proposed ordinance amends three sections of the Municipal Code to allow for these activities.

Financial/Budget Impact

There are no anticipated financial or budgetary impacts.

Recommendation

It is respectfully recommended that the accompanying ordinance be introduced for first reading.

PREPARED BY: Marsha Jones Moutrie, City Attorney

ATTACHMENT: ORDINANCE