NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Spring begins Friday, but its beautiful weather is here already. Residents and visitors - including many spring breakers - are getting
out and enjoying Volusia County’s beaches, but are reminded to stay safe while enjoying the 47 miles of county beaches, officials say.
“We are starting to get consistently nice weather and the crowds are starting to arrive, especially spring breakers,” said Capt. Scott Petersohn with the Volusia County Beach Patrol. “But beachgoers need to be cautious as the beach environment has dangers. Those dangers can be managed effectively through public awareness, professional lifeguards, and the public who needs to be aware of how to stay safe at the beach.”
Below are tips to help beachgoers enjoy their visit to the beach and stay safe:
● Protect your valuables.
● Walk with your children, especially in the driving areas.
● Never swim alone. Always swim in front of a lifeguard.
● Never swim after consuming alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is not permitted on the beach.
● Use a leash with surf and boogie boards.
● Don’t use a float, raft or boogie board if you can’t swim.
● When boating, always have life jackets on board.
● Never dive headfirst into the water - always protect your neck.
Dealing with rip currents:
● Rip currents in the open water are always a possibility.
● Always swim in front of a lifeguard.
● Check with the lifeguard and read the back of the lifeguard tower for important information about rip current activity and the rip threat level.
Parking / driving on the beach:
● Visitors should arrive early as parking fills fast.
● Access and driving on the beach probably will be restricted during
high tide.
● Core parking areas will become filled first, look for parking in less central locations.
● All vehicles must drive and park on the east side of the green conservation poles.
● Motorists need to pay attention when driving as there are many distractions at the beach.
● Motorists always should drive in the driving lanes and when parking pay special attention to sunbathers lying in the sand.
For more information regarding being safe at the beach or Volusia County beaches, please call Volusia County Beach Patrol at (386)
239-6414 or visit www.Volusia.org/beach.