The Department of Parks has called on Cup Match campers to do their part to make sure the island’s recreational spaces are protected over the holiday weekend.

A government spokesman said: “The Cup Match holiday is traditionally one of the busiest periods for outdoor activity across government parks and beaches.

“In addition to the designated sites, camping will be allowed in general park areas from July 30 to August 3.”

No camping will be permitted at Coney Island, Blue Hole Park, Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve or the dune area directly behind Jobson’s Cove, where sensitive vegetation must be protected.

Campers are also warned not to use graffiti or markings to claim camping spots or mark trees.

“Tents and ropes must not be erected before Tuesday” the spokesman said. “Any found in place on Monday will be removed by parks personnel.

“Tents may be set up on Tuesday, but overnight camping is not permitted on that date.

“Do not block beach or park access gates with tents or equipment. Park gates will be open throughout the day on Wednesday for set-up.

“Park rangers will be on site until 10pm and begin locking gates from 9.30pm.

“All vehicles must be removed from within parks and placed in the designated car parks to maintain clear and safe pedestrian areas.”

Park rangers will be stationed at sites across the island’s parks from 8am to 9pm on Thursday; between 8am and 7pm on Friday; and between 9.30am and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Horseshoe Bay Beach will be open to the public between 8am and 8pm on Thursday, with the Bermuda Police Service attending at closing time to help with “the orderly removal of patrons from the beach area”.

The spokesman said the queue for minibuses collecting passengers would begin at South Shore Park and extend westward, leading down the hill towards the Horseshoe Bay Beach parking lot.

“This process will be actively managed by officers from the Department of Parks and the Bermuda Police Service, who will be present to monitor and ensure an orderly and fair flow of traffic,” he said.

“To improve efficiency, minibuses with prepaid bookings will be accommodated separately and direct access to the Horseshoe Bay Beach parking lot will be permitted to drop passengers off without joining the main queue.

“Similarly, minibuses making drop-offs only will be allowed direct entry to the parking area.”

Lifeguards will be on duty at Clearwater Beach, John Smith’s Bay, Horseshoe Bay Beach and Turtle Bay, between 9am and 7pm on Thursday and Friday.

Lifeguards will be on duty at the same beaches during all other days next week between 10am and 6pm.

Horses and dogs are not permitted on public beaches until the end of October. However, horses may access the dunes and Railway Trail.

Bonfires in national parks must be managed according to regulations found in the Bermuda National Parks Act 1986 and any open flames must be authorised in advance.

“Groups or individuals planning organised events must contact the parks office to apply for special permission ahead of time,” the spokesman added.

“The Department of Parks, under the Bermuda National Parks Act 1986 and associated regulations, is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all users.

“Park rangers and authorised officers will be on hand to support that mission throughout the weekend.”

• For more details about camping, rules or enforcement, visitgov.bm/department/parksor call 236-5902