Latest news with #publicbeaches
New York Times
21 hours ago
- General
- New York Times
Finland's Short, Precious Summers Are Plagued by Goose Poop
Each summer, sun-starved Finns flock to Hietsu Beach, a sandy stretch in Helsinki, to exercise, splash and attempt to tan. Amid a late July, record-breaking heat wave, a very different flock has also been stalking the surf around Finland's capital: barnacle geese — white-faced, black-backed and ever-present. At night, they roost by the water's edge. Come daytime, as people spread out their towels, they waddle away, leaving small mountains of excrement in their tracks. 'There can be a shocking amount of poop,' acknowledged Jukka Lundgren, the manager of Helsinki's public beaches, who has spent 15 of his 18 years on the job trying to keep the sand from looking like a goose litter box. Now, after Sisyphean summers facing down the fowl's feces, he thinks that he just may have found a solution: a wheeled cage with a strong resemblance to an old-fashioned hand lawn mower that is meant to sift the dirtied sand and whisk up only the offending feces. The contraption may be Helsinki's most innovative poop-fighting effort yet. It is being tested this summer on about half the city's 25 public beaches. It was designed in-house by beach staff members, who drew inspiration from a public competition last year meant to crowdsource poop-scooping ideas. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Yahoo
Police in Wisconsin increase enforcement following ‘takeovers' at public beaches
RACINE, Wis. (WFRV) – Authorities in Wisconsin are taking proactive measures to ensure safety following reports of recent 'takeovers' at public beaches. According to the Racine Police Department, officers have responded to large gatherings and 'takeovers' occurring at North Beach and other area parks. Person hospitalized after being hit in crosswalk while using mobility scooter in Manitowoc In response, the department says it is implementing proactive steps to preserve safety and enjoyment of public spaces for both residents and visitors. Efforts include: Increased police presence during daytime and evening hours Enhanced video surveillance in public areas Strict enforcement of laws, including a zero-tolerance policy for illegal activity Officials reminded the public that curfew for individuals under 18 is 11 p.m., and all city parks and beaches close at 10 p.m. Alcohol and glass containers are prohibited on beaches, in parks and on playgrounds. 'Our goal is to maintain North Beach and all local parks as safe, welcoming spaces for everyone,' the department stated. 'We ask all visitors to be respectful of public spaces and of one another.' Wisconsin man sentenced to 30 years for attacking correctional officer, fellow inmate Anyone with concerns or who witnesses suspicious behavior is encouraged to contact the Racine Police Department at 262-886-2300. No additional details were provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Al Arabiya
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Syria requires women to wear burkinis on public beaches
Syria's government has decreed that women should wear burkinis or other swimwear that covers the body at public beaches and swimming pools, while permitting Western-style beachwear at private clubs and luxury hotels. The tourism ministry decision issued this week marks the first time the Damascus authorities have issued guidelines related to what women can wear since Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December. During the Assad family's iron-fisted rule of Syria, which was shaped by a secular Arab nationalist ideology, the state imposed no such restrictions, though people often dressed modestly at public beaches, reflecting conservative norms. The new requirements were set out in a wider decree dated June 9 and which included public safety guidelines for beaches and swimming pools ahead of the summer, such as not spending too long in the sun and avoiding jellyfish. It said that beachgoers and visitors to public pools should wear 'appropriate swimwear that respects public decency and the feelings of different segments of society', requiring 'more modest swimsuits' and specifying 'the burkini or swimming clothes that cover the body more.' Women should wear a cover or a loose robe over their swimwear when moving between the beach and other areas, it said. Men should wear a shirt when not swimming, and are not allowed to appear bare-chested 'in the public areas outside the swimming areas - hotel lobbies or ... restaurants', it said. The decree added that 'in public areas outside the beaches and swimming pools', it was preferable to wear loose clothing that covers the shoulders and knees and to avoid transparent or very tight clothing. It offered an exception for hotels classed as four stars or above, and for private beaches, pools and clubs, saying 'normal Western swimwear' was generally permitted, 'with adherence to public morals and within the limits of public taste.' Since the overthrow of Assad, fliers have appeared urging women to cover up, but the government has issued no directives ordering them to observe conservative dress codes. A temporary constitution passed earlier this year strengthened the language on the role of sharia (Islamic law) in Syria. President Ahmed al-Sharaa has sidestepped interviewers' questions on whether he thought Syria should apply sharia, saying this was for experts to decide.
The National
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Syria tells women to dress modestly on public beaches
Syrian authorities have issued new directives to the public urging women to wear modest swimwear on public beaches, with a particular recommendation for 'burkinis". The new regulation, published on Tuesday by the Ministry of Tourism, comes six months after rebel forces retook the capital, led by new President Ahmad Al Shara, and overthrew the regime of longtime ruler Bashar Al Assad in December last year. 'Visitors to public beaches and pools, whether tourists or locals, are required to wear appropriate swimwear that takes into account public taste and the sensibilities of various segments of society,' Minister of Tourism Mazen Al Salhani said in a statement. 'More modest swimwear is required at public beaches and pools (burkinis or swimsuits that cover more of the body).' It was also necessary when moving between places to 'wear a beach cover-up or loose-fitting robe (for women) over swimsuits', the statement added. Men are required to wear shirts when not swimming under the new guidance, which said that 'topless clothing is not permitted in public areas'. 'In public areas outside of beaches and pools, it is preferable to wear loose clothing, covering shoulders and knees, and avoid transparent or overly tight clothing,' said the statement. The guidelines have been made in respective of 'the requirements of public interest'. The ministry said that 'western swimwear' can be worn in resorts and hotels 'classified as international and premium (four-star)' and on private beaches. It is only permitted if 'appropriate behaviour is adhered to'. Other establishments must adhere to the modesty rules. The new regulations comes as the new Syrian government pushes to revive its tourism sector following the lifting of US sanctions in May. Since the takeover of the new authorities, led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, decisions that could impact the freedoms of minorities and women have been under particular scrutiny.
The National
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Syria issues new directives for modest wear on beaches
Syrian authorities have issued new directives to the public urging women to wear modest swimwear on public beaches, with a particular recommendation for 'burkinis". The new regulation, published on Tuesday by the Ministry of Tourism, comes six months after rebel forces retook the capital, led by new President Ahmad Al Shara, and overthrew the regime of longtime ruler Bashar Al Assad in December last year. 'Visitors to public beaches and pools, whether tourists or locals, are required to wear appropriate swimwear that takes into account public taste and the sensibilities of various segments of society,' Minister of Tourism Mazen Al Salhani said in a statement. 'More modest swimwear is required at public beaches and pools (burkinis or swimsuits that cover more of the body).' It was also necessary when moving between places to 'wear a beach cover-up or loose-fitting robe (for women) over swimsuits', the statement added. Men are required to wear shirts when not swimming under the new guidance, which said that 'topless clothing is not permitted in public areas'. 'In public areas outside of beaches and pools, it is preferable to wear loose clothing, covering shoulders and knees, and avoid transparent or overly tight clothing,' said the statement. The guidelines have been made in respective of 'the requirements of public interest'. The ministry said that 'western swimwear' can be worn in resorts and hotels 'classified as international and premium (four-star)' and on private beaches. It is only permitted if 'appropriate behaviour is adhered to'. Other establishments must adhere to the modesty rules. The new regulations comes as the new Syrian government pushes to revive its tourism sector following the lifting of US sanctions in May. Since the takeover of the new authorities, led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, decisions that could impact the freedoms of minorities and women have been under particular scrutiny.
