With sunny skies and warm weather, beach officials are anticipating a busy start to the beach season. To ensure residents and visitors have an enjoyable experience, beachgoers should follow these important reminders:
- Alcohol and disposable cups are prohibited on the beach.
- Always swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower.
- Parents should accompany minor children in the water even if they know how to swim.
- Beach drivers must have one front window down and headlights on at all times.
- Texting while driving is prohibited, and cell phone use is discouraged.
- When driving on the beach, observe the 10 mph speed limit and watch for pedestrians and wildlife.
Beach litter
Beachgoers should remove all items, especially trash, they bring to the
beach. Items left on the beach can create obstacles and hazards for
emergency workers, pedestrians and wildlife. Trash and recycle cans are
placed at regular intervals along the beach, and roving carts will
canvass the beach to assist with the collection of garbage.
Intake
Passholder only beach ramps
Effective March 1, two of Volusia County’s beach ramps will convert to
pass holder only ramps.
Beginning Friday, El Portal Street (Daytona Beach Shores) and Crawford Road (New Smyrna Beach) will only permit vehicular entry to handicap vehicles and current annual pass holder vehicles. The change will expedite the process for pass holders to gain entry to the beach and decrease traffic at other ramps. For the beach access map, visit www.volusia.org/beach.
Accessing the beach
When using primary thoroughfares such as Granada Boulevard,
International Speedway Boulevard, Dunlawton Avenue or Third Avenue,
beachgoers are encouraged to travel north or south of these locations
for alternative beach ramps, which may not be as congested. Less busy
ramps allow for easier access and parking. Beachgoers may also consider
using off-beach parking, which is available at designated locations from
Ormond-by-the-Sea to Bethune Beach.
For more information about beach safety, contact Beach Safety
headquarters at 386-239-6414 or visit www.volusia.org/beach.
