Photo by Steve Bibeault for Headline Surfer / Picturesque: The sun setting on the World's Most Famous Beach in Daytona Beach, Florida on Wednesday, May 23.
By HENRY FREDERICK
Headline Surfer
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Melbourne are predicting a 70 percent chance of rain on Memorial Day for coastal waters, but that won't keep people from hitting the beaches.
It's certainly not ideal weather, but Volusia County beach safety officials know from experience the beaches will not be barren. The sun could still peek out from the overcast skies. Besides, there are beachgoers who don’t mind the rain, especially on an extended holiday weekend like this where crowds have been strong so far. And so Volusia County beach safety officials have emailed Headline Surfer and other daily news outlets safety tips and access points on and off the nearly 50 miles of public beaches, of which driving is allowed on some designated stretches.
Among the beach safety tips and reminders:
● Morning high tides are expected to delay vehicle access ramp openings. Beachgoers can stay informed of ramp openings and closures by following Volusia County Beaches on Facebook and Twitter.
● Beach annual pass holders are encouraged to use one of the four Pass Holders Express ramps. The ramps are at River Beach Drive in Ormond Beach, Zelda Boulevard in Daytona Beach, El Portal Street in Daytona Beach Shores, and Crawford Road in New Smyrna Beach.
● Beachgoers should travel north or south of the primary thoroughfares to access the beach on alternative beach ramps, which may not be as congested.
● If parking on the beach, make sure you take only one spot. Also, never sit, lie or camp between vehicles in the parking areas.
● Beachgoers should leave only footprints and remove all items, especially trash, that they bring to the beach. Trash and recycle cans are placed at regular intervals along the beach.
● Consider off-beach parking, which is available at designated locations from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Bethune Beach.
● Parents with small children may want to opt for one of the county’s traffic-free zones. If in a traffic zone, parents should always hold children’s hands when crossing the traffic lane.
● Always swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower. Parents should accompany minor children in the water even if they know how to swim. There is a moderate threat of rip currents, which are always a possibility in the open water.
● Alcohol and the beach don’t mix. Make sure you stay hydrated and remember that plastic cups are prohibited.
For more information, please follow Volusia County Beaches on Facebook and Twitter, or visit www.volusia.org/beach.
