It might have been early September, but Cadboro Bay Beach had a feel of Daytona Beach during Spring Break Monday afternoon.

Youth, many of them students attending nearby University of Victoria, filled Cadboro-Gyro Park Monday afternoon to celebrate the end of summer and enjoy the last free day before the start of classes.

A volleyball game near the parking lot drew dozens of players. Others chased a soccer ball across the lawn area, while many simply chilled on the beach, or chatted with friends. A solitary Saanich Police officer watched the park from behind dark sunglasses.

The bay itself was also busy with stand-up paddlers, weaving their way past sail boats gently dipping up and down. Closer to shore, a young girl and her female friend were playing in the water with large pink-coloured floatie shaped like a swan.

John Hayashi personified the relaxed mood. Wearing shorts and sunglasses, he chatted with others enjoying the beach, while playing his guitar.