OPP increase patrols at Norfolk and Niagara beaches

Ontario Provincial Police are increasing their presence on beaches in Niagara Region and Norfolk County as many local students have marked Friday as “Beach Day.”

It is a PA Day for elementary school students but not for high schoolers.

OPP say that the unofficial tradition is not endorsed by schools or law enforcement but always happens on the first Friday of June.

On Beach Day, students often leave school to get together along popular spots including Sunset Beach in St. Catharines, Crystal Beach in Fort Erie, and Long Point, Turkey Point and Port Dover in Norfolk County.

OPP are reminding students to make good choices as this event brings in large crowds and officers will be looking out for underage drinking, impaired driving or boating, property damage, among other acts.

Police also warn those attending of the $300 fine for fighting and the $125 fine for open alcohol in unauthorized places while the fire department says that fires and fireworks are not allowed on the beach.

READ MORE: Expect more police at Norfolk County beaches on ‘Beach Day’: OPP