Volusia County, FL - With the upcoming 4th of July weekend, the Volusia County Beach Safety Divison has given some tips to beachgoers about how they can safely celebrate the holiday.
Beaches this weekend are expected to have large crowds, potentially dangerous rip currents and high tides in the afternoon. In order to prepare residents and visitors alike, Beach Safety has released some tips on how to appropriately handle several areas of concern.
Fireworks
Beach Safety wants to remind beachgoers that Volusia County strictly prohibits firework use and possession on beaches or beachfront buildings like homes, condos, hotels and businesses. Law enforcement does reserve the right to seize fireworks.
Not only do fireworks potentially threaten the safety of beachgoers, they also produce debris that is dangerous for wildlife. Firework debris is hard to pick up, and it can be harmful if ingested by an animal.
Rip currents/ water safety
Rip currents can always be possible in the open water, so Beach Safety advises that beachgoers swim near a lifeguard. Lifeguards or the information designated on the backs of their lifeguard towers can be used to find out more about the current conditions and threat level.
Beach Safety also says that kids should always be with a parent regardless of if they know how to swim. Both alcohol and disposable cups are not allowed on the beach.
Jellyfish
In the event of a jellyfish sting, see the closest lifeguard for help.
Vehicle Acess ramps
Beach Safety warns beachgoers to plan on arriving at the beach early because access ramps can be closed due to high tides. Popular beach access points such as Granada Boulevard, International Speedway Boulevard, Dunlawton Avenue and 3rd Avenue in New Smyrna Beach are asked to be avoided if possible. Points north and south of those ramps are expected to be less busy and will help beachgoers find parking as well as using off-beach parking.
Beach maps can be found on the beach navigator app for iPhones or here for Android phones.
Parking/driving on the beach
If you park on the beach, Beach Safety asks that you arrive early and stay east of the conservation poles. If you are parking south of Granada, you must use 4-wheel drive due to the soft sand. Beachgoers should utilize one spot and refrain from sitting or camping between parked cars.
Parents are asked to hold hands with their children when crossing through traffic or to choose a traffic-free beach area.
Littering
Beachgoers are being asked by Beach Safety to pick up any trash or personal items they may have before they leave. Emergency workers, pedestrians and beach wildlife can be negatively impacted by an unclean beach.
If you are interested in volunteering for a beach cleanup on July 5, showing up to your favorite area with a trash bag is welcome. Volunteers are asked to focus on beaches in the north and south of the County like North Shore and Bethune Beach. Trash bags should be put in or next to garbage cans.
There is no need to sign up for the cleanup, but if you have a group of 15 or more, you can reach Becki O'Keefe at 386-238-4716 or via email at bokeefe@volusia.org to coordinate your group. You can also call the Coastal Divison at 386-248-8071 or 38-423-3300 ext. 18072 for additional information on the beach cleanup.
If you have additional questions about beach safety, call Beach Safety at 386-239-6414.
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