Dana Point : Wind Surfing in Harbor Banned on Busy Days

Wind surfing in Dana Point Harbor will be banned during weekends and county-observed holidays from mid-May to mid-September, the Orange County Board of Supervisors decided Wednesday.

The new rules prohibit wind surfing in the harbor from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays from May 15 through Sept. 15.

Although the restriction affects all of the harbor area, it is aimed at the west end, where most of the wind surfers go. The board adopted the policy because of increased mishaps between boaters and wind surfers, although no injuries have been reported, harbor officials said.

The regulations also will apply to swimming and wading in the area. Under the plan, the director of the county Environmental Management Agency will be able to lift the restrictions and permit wind surfers and swimmers in the area on weekends or holidays at his discretion. Those times will be announced by posted signs.