PD used to have the best beach for families because easy access, public facilities, no strong undercurrents, a few places with rocks under the water... very safe...
then for some reason, authorities approved buildings by the beach, this suddenly became private beach and outsiders cannot use..
over the years, more and more private projects blocked the good beaches, leaving on a few open to public..
oldies will remember 11th, 13th, blue lagoon, shah motel etc

like TS said overcrowding... now most go to lido beach... many others ( even opposite the army camp) all fenced up.. those available (like you mentioned) full of rocks and razor sharp stones...
previously near the convent, the beach was ok ok because can cross over to the small island in low tide, now all fenced up..
sunshine camp!.. but going to the beach! helluva steep climb