Hypothetically, if you were in charge of safely servicing the public, would you ban subways because a couple people felt claustrophobic?

We’re not talking about surfboards, or kiteboards, or SUPs -- but bodyboards. Boogies. Sponges -- the most innocuous of surfcraft; usually the last thing to be outlawed at any beach.In fact, according to the, this may be “the first time in history that an ocean-facing international city has banned the outright use of boogie boards.” The restriction was placed on all New York City beaches after an official directive trickled down from Parks Department Rockaways Administrator Jill Weber on August 6th. While safety seems to be the primary motivation for the ban, the decision doesn’t consider “boogie boards” as recreational watercraft, but as “floatation devices.”Local beachgoer and Rockaway Beach Civic Association member Beth Perkins told another paper,, that the decision “seems to be based on their ban of flotation devices… there were two young kids who got swept out on their boogie boards down around Beach 33rd during Bertha. Their reasoning is that the boogie boards are a crutch for people that don’t know how to swim and therefore they get themselves into trouble with them. They are drawing on a parks rule that outlaws ‘floatation devices’ which is very frustrating because it’s so vague that they can manipulate the rule at their ridiculous whims.”So far, the NYC Parks Department has been hesitant to respond, much less provide an official statement to either theor the, much less Surfline’s calls and emails; however, a PEP employee leaked to thethat the official directive came from Weber, who told a reporter, “There has been an increased use of them and we have to ban them for people’s safety.”Many lifeguards are reportedly following protocol, keeping bodyboarders out of the water, no matter how extensive their ocean experience or local residency. While the term “floatation devices” typically conjures images of pool inflatables like water wings or rafts (a Google search of the term brings up life preservers), bodyboards are nonetheless being unfairly discriminated against as the department concocts reactionary rules with no legal precedence.Meanwhile, the Friends of Rockaway, RB Civic Association and the newly formed Rockaway Beach Surfer's Association have sent letters demanding the lifting of the ban and any associated discrimination against those who choose this equipment for their own recreational purposes. A public protest with their boards in hand may soon follow, as the waveriders propose that “all surfing items… be allowed on the surfing beaches, and anything under 48” without skegs be allowed on the swimming beaches.”Surfing used to be a no-no in New York City until 2005, when it was legalized for a single stretch of Rockaway Beach. In 2007, more of the beach was made accessible to waveriders. As of now, surfboards are clear for takeoff, while anyone with a boogie board, from beginners to pros, are prohibited from entering NYC waters until the NYC Parks Department reviews the use of this type of equipment at area beaches following the summer season.For more, read the Rockaway Times story or The Gothamist story.