A major police operation targeting beach safety across the Port Stephens region is rolling out throughout the summer, with a fleet of four-wheel drives, trail bikes, and national parks officers deployed to patrol popular coastal areas.
Weekend Blitz Sees High-Visibility Patrols
Led by Nelson Bay highway patrol officers, the joint-agency Operation Safer Sands 2026 was conducted on Saturday, January 13. The operation received support from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as well as highway patrol units from Maitland and Newcastle.
The safety crackdown focused specifically on Stockton Beach, Samurai Beach, and the Worimi Conservation Lands – areas known for attracting large numbers of off-road vehicles, trail bikes, and beachgoers during the holiday period.
Substantial Police Resources Deployed
A significant contingent of officers and vehicles was mobilised for the operation. The deployment included three unmarked four-wheel drives, one marked highway patrol vehicle, and two police trail bikes, manned by a total of ten police officers.
They worked alongside ten staff members from the NSW NPWS, combining enforcement and education efforts across the sensitive coastal environment.
Hundreds of Vehicles and People Engaged
During the single-day operation, authorities achieved a substantial reach. Officers checked almost 440 vehicles and engaged with 1,259 people on the beaches and surrounding access points.
A total of 112 random breath tests and 35 random drug tests were administered to drivers in the area.
The enforcement action resulted in a range of infringements, including:
- 21 general traffic offences detected.
- One seatbelt violation.
- One driver caught travelling at more than 20 kilometres per hour over the speed limit.
- One instance of alleged reckless driving.
- 29 breaches of beach access permit conditions uncovered by officers.
Operation to Continue Throughout Summer
A spokesperson for Port Stephens Hunter Police confirmed that Operation Safer Sands will continue during the summer school holiday period. The ongoing deployments aim to ensure the region's beaches remain safe and enjoyable for all visitors, whether they are driving, riding, or simply enjoying the sand.
The use of unmarked 4WDs and agile trail bikes allows police to patrol areas that are inaccessible to standard vehicles, ensuring a visible presence across the vast dune systems and beachfronts of the Worimi Conservation Lands.
