Large crowds, rip currents expected for Memorial Day weekend

Posted On: May 22, 2019

With beautiful beach weather forecasted, Volusia County’s Beach Safety Division is expecting large crowds for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Early afternoon high tides are expect to force the temporary closure of some beach ramps. Beachgoers should arrive early or use off-beach parking. As hazardous rip currents are also in the forecast, beachgoers should swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower.

Vehicle access ramps

• In anticipation of the busy weekend, the beach approaches at Seminole Avenue, Rockefeller Drive, River Beach Drive, Boylston Avenue, Seaview Avenue and Zelda Boulevard will be open for vehicles. 
• Beach annual pass holders are encouraged to use one of the two Pass Holders Express ramps. The ramps are at El Portal Street in Daytona Beach Shores, just north of the Dunlawton Boulevard ramp and Crawford Road in New Smyrna Beach, just north of the Flagler Avenue ramp. These express ramps typically do not experience lines or backups as they only service current annual pass holders as well as handicap qualifying vehicles. 
• Some beach ramps may be forced to close around noon, due to the high tide, and may stay closed for several hours. 
• For beach maps, visit www.volusia.org/beachdriving. 

Weekend vehicular access ramp openings and closures are also shared on social media. Beachgoers are encouraged to follow Volusia County Beaches on Facebook and Twitter.

Parking and driving on the beach

• As of May 1, beach driving access hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., tide permitting. 
• Due to soft sand between Granada Boulevard and Cardinal Drive, that section of beach is four-wheel drive only. 
• All vehicles must drive and park on the east side of the conservation poles and should only take up one parking spot along the beach. 
• Beachgoers should never sit, lie or camp in between vehicles in the parking areas. 

Beach clean-up

• After your day at the beach, flatten sandcastles, fill in holes, and take your chairs and equipment with you; do not leave any tents, chairs or other materials on the beach overnight. This is an easy way to reduce obstacles faced by nesting sea turtles, who have begun visiting the beach at night to lay eggs. 
• Trash and recycle cans are placed at regular intervals along the beach, and roving carts will be canvassing the beach to assist with the collection of garbage. Environmentally friendly trash bags are available upon request at toll booths and from the beach litter team. 

For more information, follow Volusia County Beaches on Facebook and Twitter, visit www.volusia.org/beach or call 386-239-6414.