The St. Augustine Record discusses the rules and regulations for beachgoers celebrating July 4th

The St. Augustine Record discusses the rules and regulations for beachgoers celebrating the Fourth of July. Learn the dos and don’ts if you’re planning on spending time at the beach.

With beachgoers flocking to St. Augustine for Independence Day, St. Johns County has partnered with the Tourism Development Council to provide free shuttle service between the St. Augustine Beach Hall and the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier parking lot July 4-7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shuttle will operate every 20 minutes, weather permitting.

County lifeguards, St. Johns County Sheriff’s deputies and St. Augustine Beach Police officers will work together July 4-7 to keep beaches safe.

Lifeguards will be on duty at various locations from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from July 4 to 7, weather permitting.

As noted in a news release from the county, colored warning flags will indicate current water and surf conditions. Red indicates a high risk with stronger currents and dangerous surf conditions. Yellow indicates a medium risk with strong currents and surf. Purple indicates the area has dangerous marine life. If there is no flag, visitors should use caution when swimming in the ocean.

Ripple currents—strong, fast-moving currents of water—can be identified by frothy, choppy, brownish water with sand churning the water as it quickly heads out to sea. Experts suggest staying calm if you get caught in a rip current. Swim parallel to the shoreline to get out of the current. Once you’re safe, return to shore. Don’t go any deeper than knee-deep unless you’re a strong swimmer.

According to a news release, county officials are asking everyone to respect the flag colors, swim near a lifeguard and call 911 in the event of an emergency.

Access to the beach by vehicle

Beach passes are required for beach access from March through September. St. Johns County residents must show a valid county ID or county property tax payment to purchase a $50 resident pass. Non-resident passes are $100 and accessible passes are $40. All sales are final.

Beach passes can be purchased for cash at any beach driveway. Passes are also available during normal business hours in St. Augustine:

St. Johns County Beach Services Office – 901 Pope Road
St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier Gift Shop – 350 A1A Blvd.

Disabled parking permits and disabled passes require proof of eligibility. Disabled military veterans are eligible for a free annual pass with a military ID or a letter from Veterans Affairs verifying disability status.

Vehicles must have 4-wheel drive. Vehicle access to the beach is subject to beach conditions, weather, sand and tides, which may temporarily restrict access or close ramps. Daily driving conditions are posted on the St. Johns County Beach Facebook and X accounts, through the SJC Connect app and on the Beach Driving Updates website.

Driving on the beach

Vehicle traffic must take place on lanes marked with cones.
Parking spaces are designated on the western side of the road, between the bollards and the nature conservation zone.
Vehicles driving on the beach must obey the 10 mph speed limit.
There is no vehicle access to the beach via the Fort Matanzas ramp.
Vehicles must stop at all beach ramps and give way to pedestrians.
Drivers should stay up to date with beach and soft sand conditions.

Four-wheel drive vehicles with beach passes may drive on the beach from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Beach rules

Music should not be heard more than 25 feet from its source.
It is prohibited to bring alcoholic beverages and glass containers.
Open fires are prohibited. Heated items, such as coal, must be disposed of properly.
The use of fireworks is prohibited.
All pets must be on a leash. Animal waste must be removed from the beach.
Solicitation, campaigning and commercial activity are not permitted.
Launching motor boats from unmarked shores is prohibited.

Wheelchair accessible beach

Beach wheelchairs are available free of charge. Wheelchairs must be reserved at least three days in advance. Reservations are not guaranteed. Wheelchairs must be returned by 3:00 p.m. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance and reserved for up to seven consecutive days. Wheelchairs can be delivered to beachfront parks with ramps.

Bike locks will be used to secure wheelchairs. A combination lock will be issued once your booking has been confirmed. The wheelchair should be locked when not in use. Wheelchairs available on the beach can be booked via the online booking system.

For information about beach access, rules, safe driving tips, and conditions, visit www.sjcfl.us/beaches. Click here for beach safety tips.