With summer in full swing, the recent launch of a new iPhone app designed to identify hidden public access points along the citys 27 miles of beaches made big news. Many hailed the app as a victory for public access over NIMBYism,while some local residents worriedabout an influx of visitors to areas without adequate sanitation,lifeguard or police presences.

This week, The Malibu Times put the controversial app to the test to see whether the information actually does provide easy access to the hidden beaches, and whether there were restroom, lifeguards and other beach amenities present on the beaches.

We were able to access the beaches we selected with relative ease, but the app left something to be desired when we found ourselves strolling in the sand with very little more than ocean and rocks aheadand no warning.

The app, co-created by Jenny Price, began making waves in May when a $30,000 Kickstarter campaign launched to create an app providing information where hidden accessways in Malibu can be found. Since its June 1 iTunes release, it has been downloaded about 16,000 times and garnered a 4.5 (out of 5) user rating, which comes as a pleasant surprise to its creator.

The app has exceeded my expectations in a number of ways, Price said this week. We wanted the app to be user-friendly. Im super pleased that people are finding it so easy to use.

The app contains access points for 25 Malibu beaches. Many are smaller beaches in the middle of residential areas. Others are currently closed because they are tied up in litigation on behalf of landowners and residents wishing to keep the land private.

Though full of easy-to-comprehend information about how to access the beaches, the app lacks information about lifeguards and restrooms. In some cases, a more clearly defined explanation of exactly how difficult some beaches are to access, users of the otherwise helpful app should proceed with caution.

Only five of Malibus beachesZuma, Nicholas, Point Dume, Corral and Surfriderhave established lifeguard stations.

Zuma Beach lifeguard Captain Smith said the smaller pocket beaches, such as Escondido, are always patrolled by a two-man LR300 unit and an area captain, but there is no established lifeguard tower. Both Smith and the app caution against using beaches without a lifeguard present.

The thing is, the ocean is ultimately always in charge, Smith said. You know never know what the oceans going to do. Thats why we have so many towers spread all over Zuma.

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How useful is the Malibu Beaches app?