Despite the ban, holidaymakers have kicked off the swimming season in Kobleve

The ban on swimming in the sea remains in force in Koblevo. Photo: Novosti N

In Koblevo, in the Mykolaiv region, holidaymakers are swimming in the sea for the second year running, despite the ban on swimming. Officially, the beach is closed, but people on social media say they are gaining access via a holiday resort that has opened its gates.

This is reported by NikVesti.

Over the weekend, videos from Kobleve appeared on social media. Holidaymakers show themselves swimming in the sea, despite the fence by the water’s edge, and say that an unofficial passage has been opened via the VIP-Hotel holiday resort.

According to the Main Directorate of the State Emergency Service in the Mykolaiv region, seven locations have been designated in the region where swimming is permitted. These are the municipal beaches in Nova Odesa, Pivdennoukrainsk, Pervomaisk and Kryve Ozero, as well as the grounds of the «Pelahiivskyi» children’s health camp in the Bashtanka district. There are also two beaches on the coast of the Tiligul Estuary — near Kobleve and Ukrainka.

Mykola Marinov, Deputy Head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, told NikVesti that the beaches on the Tylihul Estuary have been opened following a decision by the Kobleve Executive Committee. Mandatory requirements for the beaches include surveying the water area — not only for explosive devices but also for other hazards, such as sharp rocks and metal — as well as setting up lifeguard stations.

However, in Kobleve itself, the beach is officially closed.

«It is on the shore itself that the beach is closed. It’s another matter how strictly this is enforced. But in the holiday area itself, where the holiday camps are, people can still enjoy themselves,» noted Mykola Marinov.

He noted that last year, when a similar situation arose — with people swimming in the sea despite the ban — a commission was set up comprising representatives of the military command.

«Our position was that three sections should be opened. At least one section of the beach should be open to holidaymakers. This would involve clearing the area of mines, conducting a full survey — including the water area — and enclosing the water area with structures to prevent mines from drifting in. That is the minimum plan. Then, of course, there would need to be shelters and automatic loudspeakers,» noted the deputy head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration.

However, he noted that the military were categorically opposed to opening the beach.

«But the military’s position at the time was categorical: this cannot be done until the security situation changes. The security situation has not changed. We haven’t convened this commission again because there’s no point; the conditions haven’t changed, and I don’t think the military’s stance will change either. So yes, the beach is closed due to security concerns,» added Mykola Marinov.

According to him, those responsible must now respond to this situation and close off access to the sea.

«That means the village council, the police, and the military. In other words, given that such a large-scale event has already taken place, I think they will now address this issue,» said the deputy head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration.

He concluded that the situation regarding the opening of the beach this year is unlikely to change.

«My view is that certain areas should be designated and opened immediately. But I am no expert on security matters. The military are adamant, so I don’t think this will happen. Unfortunately,» added Mykola Marinov.

The sea is under the ban

As a reminder, last year bloggers published a video showing large numbers of people on the beach and in the sea at Kobleve, despite the barriers and warning signs.

According to the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, the police are speaking to the managers of holiday resorts and to holidaymakers themselves, urging them not to breach the restrictions. In addition, access to the beach has been blocked off and information signs warning of the danger of mines have been put up.

Despite this, holidaymakers found a small gap between the blocks and made their way onto the shore. Subsequently, the concrete blocks blocking access to the beach were reinforced, and a trench was dug along the beach.

This year, the beach at Kobleve has once again been fortified with concrete tetrapods and barbed wire, which block the approach of vehicles from the water’s edge and make it difficult to get through. The military have stated that the area remains dangerous due to the possibility of landmines, so access to the coast is prohibited.