The launch site is at the southern end of the beach and bathers have flocked there in the warm weather since the east coast low.

“Vehicles generally drive approximately 100 metres along the beach to launch in the area known as Kiddies Corner, as it provides the best launching conditions,” a council spokesman said.

“This area of beach is also very popular with families due to the quieter beach conditions it offers.”

Initially, the Water Police instructed council to close the ramp on Friday with congestion concerns, as well as operational matters in their search for missing yachtsman Mal Lennon. This closure remained in place over the weekend.

“A formal request from the Water Police to council for the ramp to be closed longer term was received Monday,” the spokesman said.

“This second request was in response to ongoing concerns about the risks posed by the interface between vehicles, boats, beach users, and swimmers during peak periods, and the period of closure was based on reducing those risks as much as possible.”

The council said signage would be installed as soon as possible but stressed that  emergency services and professional fishermen would retain access.

The council operated boat ramps at Shoal Bay, Little Beach, Salamander Bay and Soldiers Point, as well as beach access boat ramps at Boat Harbour and Fisherman's Bay, remain open.