http://www.kionrightnow.com/news/local-news/tide-reveals-hidden-hazard-on-del-monte-beach-in-monterey/30365130

A hidden hazard has appeared as extreme tides continue along Central Coast shorelines. Monterey residents hope something can be done to prevent an accident.

According to local divers, remnants of an old pier can be found along Del Monte Beach in Monterey. On Monday, NewsChannel 5 found that when the tide is really low, residents said they see metal beams sticking out of the sand.

Ron Waddy said these rusted metal beams seem like a bad accident waiting to happen for someone who may not know they’re there.

“I saw a rock bed but I saw something sticking out of the rock bed that looked like rusted steel beams and they in fact were rusted steel beams,” Waddy said.

Waddy said last month he discovered the beams on the sand near two pedestrian access points, closest to where Camino Aguajito would cross the beach.

“Probably counted about a dozen of them maybe sticking a couple of feet out of the sand, some straight, some bent,” Waddy said.

This picture from 1920 on the city of Monterey website shows where the old dock used to stand. With pictures to prove the hazard, Waddy said he contacted state park officials, prompting a response from Monterey fire and police to document the objects as well.

“A beach-goer, especially a kid a boogie-boarder, with the right swell, there are waves here and I’m concerned they’ll be sent head first into one of these steel beams,” Waddy said.

On Monday, the posts weren’t visible even during king tide conditions. Some long-time residents said they’re not too concerned because they aware of them.

“When we’re here and they’re showing then I alter where I throw the ball. When they’re not showing I throw the ball and we hope for the best,” said resident Lisa Baron.

But for Waddy, it’s those who may not be aware, like tourists, who he thinks need a heads up. NewsChannel 5 contacted the city of Monterey to learn more about the metal beams and to see if something can be done. We are still waiting to hear back.

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CERV of the Monterey Peninsula is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization with a mission to support local CERT programs, build public awareness about emergency preparedness, and promote the community’s capacity to respond to natural disasters and man-made emergencies. CERV supports local CERT programs and community preparedness through networking, grant writing, workshops, collaborating with local businesses and other organizations, and co-sponsorship of community events.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs respond to emergencies, natural disasters and other critical events. Volunteers from the community train so they can respond to emergency situations.
Our neighborhood has a trained CERT team and we have a container on Spray Avenue that is almost fully mission capable to support our community in a time of need. With your donation help we can add much needed supplies to assist in making us all safer. Any donation amount will help us obtain the much-needed medical, disaster and logistical supplies that we are still lacking. Physical donations are welcome too. We are in need of tents, an awning, folding chairs, batteries and other hardware supplies too.

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