I am not sure that it is irresponsible to open some of the beaches.
I am trying to think rationally about this problem. We cannot stay locked down indefinitely. Even if we did so for months --eventually people would have to go out of their homes. So they will be exposed to the virus at some point.
I think slowly reopening is the best answer. And beaches are a good option. It is open air, room for people to distance themselves, socially.
I say let's give it a try. Sure, some people may be exposed and some will be affected and become ill. But that has to happen at some point anyway. Hopefully only the healthiest and youngest will venture to the beach at this point.
My husband and I won't be going to a public beach yet. But I think my kids and grandkids could give it a try at some point soon. JMO
You and I are on the same page. Of ALL the places to open, parks and beaches are good ones because anyone who is at risk can stay home. No one *has* to go to the beach. There will be a small risk to going but we cannot protect everyone equally from a virus. If people want to go to the beach (where of course, it's hard to practice social distancing and it's warm and humid), then they should be advised about social distancing and the risks.
Where I live, lifeguards have to call ambulances about 2-3 times a week on the nearby beaches along about a 5 mile stretch. Lifeguards should not be required to work in these conditions, although, again, I suppose if someone wants to accept the risk, they should get their job back. Ambulances will not be arriving as quickly because all ambulances and fire trucks of small to medium size are in constant use taking people to hospital for CV issues (more than half don't have CV, but you know how people are scared, so they dial 911).
So our beaches are often posted "No Lifeguard On Duty" and people typically go get their cell phones to dial 911 when someone cracks their head or breaks a collarbone and nearly drowns, etc.
My point is that oceans are risky to begin with. However, I do have real reservations about people flocking en masse to ER's 2 weeks from now, when our healthcare system is literally fractured. So many doctors *could* go into the more densely populated areas and work on CV floors, but most do not want to do so - they want to go back to heart surgery or cancer treatment or rheumatology or treating their very ill existing group of patients.
I want those people waiting in line for retina repair or cataract surgery to get their procedures. I want the cancer patients to get their chemotherapy (they are dying while we can't admit them to regular hospitals - we contaminated the hospital ships meant for their care because everyone was panicked about CV).
