Boaters will have access to the boat launch ramp 24-hours a day starting April 30, 2020, the Ventura County Harbor Department announced.

On April 20, 2020, the launch ramp was reopened with guidelines, including limiting hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The launch ramp was originally closed April 3, 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns. The limited reopening was to provide an opportunity to evaluate the impact of protocols meant to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

Harbor Department Director Mark Sandoval said the decision to lift the hour restriction was based on monitoring the launch ramp and observing that the guidelines and protocols were being followed by launch ramp customers.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to provide 24-hour access to our boating community,” Director Sandoval said. “We appreciate the patience of our boating community and expect them to continue to practice safe social distancing.”

The following guidelines will remain in place at the boat launch ramp until further notice:

• Each vehicle/vessel will be limited to members of the same household.
• When parking a vehicle after launch, maintain as much space as possible between other parked vehicles.
• Comply with the launch lane and vessel wash lane restrictions posted on signage in the launch ramp.
• Masks are recommended at all times when out of your vehicle/vessel in the launch ramp area.

Editor’s Note: this story was published April 30, 2020.