Spring break attracts thousands of sandal-clad college students and visiting families to the beach communities every March and April. As crowds trickle through, local authorities are issuing reminders about the beach rules. “[San Diego police] are working closely with bar managers and the community to ensure that everybody has a safe and enjoyable time,” said San Diego police Capt. Shelly Zimmerman. Police will be on patrol looking for scofflaws breaking the new beach alcohol ban and other rules, Zimmerman said. Periodic police checkpoints along main beach area thoroughfares will target intoxicated drivers, she said. Just barely into the first spring break season since the start of the city’s beach alcohol ban, things are so far a little calmer and safer, according to San Diego Lifeguard Services Lt. John Greenhalgh. “We’ve had a good three weeks,” he said. “But we’re still seeing a good spring break crowd.” Mike Soltan, owner of Kojack’s restaurant in Mission Beach, said neither the beach alcohol ban nor the slumping economy has hurt business. “We’re doing a little better than last year,” he said. As spring break hits full tilt, city officials have issued the following reminders about rules that apply to beaches and bays: • Glass containers are prohibited if used to carry liquid for drinking purposes. • Drinking alcoholic beverages is not allowed on any of the city’s beaches. • Beach fires are permitted only in city-provided fire pits or in elevated, personal barbeques. Coals must be removed or deposited in hot-coal containers. • Smoking is prohibited on San Diego beaches and parks. • Dogs are permitted on beaches and in adjacent parks only from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. and must be leashed at all times. Dogs are prohibited at other hours of the day, except at Dog Beach near Ocean Beach and on Fiesta Island at Mission Bay, where dogs are permitted 24 hours a day unleashed. At all locations you must clean up after your pet. • Observe signage for water activities. Water areas along major beaches are divided into swimming and surfing zones to separate these uses. A black and yellow checkered flag will normally be posted between zones. Check signs or ask a lifeguard if you are in doubt. • Regardless of the area of use, it is unlawful to use any water recreational device — such as a surfboard or boat — in a manner that endangers others. • Overnight camping and sleeping are prohibited on city beaches. • On the Mission Beach/Pacific Beach boardwalk, the maximum speed limit is 8 miles per hour or 13 kilometers per hour. • Jumping into the ocean from cliffs or other heights higher than five feet is prohibited. • It is a misdemeanor to fail to follow the lawful order of a lifeguard or to provide false information to a lifeguard. • Any person who intentionally injures a lifeguard in the state of California may be convicted of felony battery.