Women frustrated as beach location and size changes in Smiltyne

A Klaipeda resident has voiced her frustration over the disappearance of the women's beach in Smiltyne, near the New Ferry terminal. For years, this designated area provided a comfortable space for women, but it was removed last year without any clear markings.

"I would like to know why last year the women's beach in Smiltyne, near the New Ferry, was abolished? For many years it was there, now there is no marking in that place. One can understand that anyone can relax there. For us women, the beach left in Smiltyne is only behind the Old Ferry towards the Maritime Museum. How to get there, for example, after crossing with the new ferry without a car?" the concerned resident questioned.

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I would like to know why last year the women's beach in Smiltyne, near the New Ferry, was abolished? For many years it was there, now there is no marking in that place. One can understand that anyone can relax there. For us women, the beach left in Smiltyne is only behind the Old Ferry towards the Maritime Museum. How to get there, for example, after crossing with the new ferry without a car?

She explained that the previous location offered a sense of security, which is now lacking with other beachgoers present and no signage. The nudist beach, situated roughly in the middle of all the beaches, is also not a viable option due to its difficult accessibility on foot. "To the beach that was in the old place, one could drive by taxi during the season, but how can one reach the women's beach from the New Ferry on foot? Is there no possibility to return our former place?" she pondered.

However, the municipality has offered no good news. Following the establishment and confirmation of new beach boundaries last year by Mayor Arvydas Vaitkus, no changes or adjustments are planned. Žigintas Narmontas, director of the Klaipeda Beaches public enterprise, stated that after the changes in Smiltyne, only a general beach remained near the New Ferry, stretching 600 meters. Near the Old Ferry, the general beach is 1200 meters long. The designated women's section is 600 meters long, the men's is 300 meters, and the nudist beach is 200 meters. Lifeguards, according to Narmontas, are stationed only at the general beaches, and the women's beach is conveniently accessible using the Old Ferry.

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To the beach that was in the old place, one could drive by taxi during the season, but how can one reach the women's beach from the New Ferry on foot? Is there no possibility to return our former place?