LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA, Fla. – An ordinance passed that will prohibit people from removing sand or digging on dunes at Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Beach.
This measure is in response to the passing of 7-year-old Sloan Mattingly, who died in February while digging for seashells.
During its meeting on June 6, the city also decided not to put lifeguards on its beaches, because it says the cost would be prohibitive.
Authorities said the sand caved in, swallowing both Sloan and her 9-year-old brother, Maddox.
While Maddox was rescued, police confirmed Sloan died at the hospital.
Since the incident, L-B-T-S officials and the Mattingly family have launched a national campaign to prevent similar tragedies.
“This amendment prohibits the removal of sand and digging or excavating sand, earth, or soil from any dune or beach within town limits. It also prohibits digging a hole deeper than 18 inches,” an L-B-T-S official wrote to Local 10 News in a statement Thursday.
City officials shared a recent incident where people were still digging trenches on the beach, unaware of the dangers. A police officer responded but lacked jurisdiction due to the absence of the rule, which is now in place.
Additionally, the city has approved the “Sandcastles for Sloan” campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of digging on the beach, promoting sandcastle building as a safer alternative.
Click here for more information on the campaign.