Isla Vista Foot Patrol officers blocked off beach accesses along Del Playa Drive Saturday in anticipation of crowds descending on the beach for the originally scheduled Floatopia weekend.

IVFP Officer Matthew Bly said the Foot Patrol was expecting the need for medical assistance throughout the day due to the prospect of Floatopia participants.

“We just blocked [them] off mainly because we were anticipating large crowds, so we were making emergency access available,” Bly said.

Floatopia is set to hit I.V.’s shores this Sat., April 10. In response to last year’s event — which saw 12,000 party-goers hit the beach and ended with 13 arrests and nearly 70 alcohol citations — the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors banned drinking on I.V. beaches.

Bly said the Foot Patrol will proceed with its arrangements for next weekend’s Floatopia.

Officers also issued multiple citations and arrests over the weekend, including two weapons violations, a warrant arrest and 10 property crimes. Seven noise complaint violations and 50 alcohol-related citations were issued, as well.

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