As Spring Break Begins, Volusia County Encourages Beachgoers to Plan Ahead and Follow Safety Guidance

Posted On: March 13, 2026

With spring break officially underway, Volusia County is encouraging residents and visitors to plan ahead and keep safety in mind while enjoying the area’s beaches.

Volusia County recommends using the Volusia Beaches mobile app, which provides real-time information on beach conditions, access points, and amenities along the coastline. Users can check water temperature, weather conditions, wind speed and direction, wave heights, flag colors, and rip current risk. It also includes tide and rip current information, as well as a built-in guide explaining what each beach warning flag means.

The app also helps locate staffed lifeguard towers, check the status of beach vehicle access ramps, and identify nearby off-beach parking locations. Because beach driving ramps may temporarily close due to tidal conditions or when available on-beach parking reaches capacity, checking the app before heading to the beach can help visitors avoid delays. Interactive maps and live beach cameras also allow beachgoers to preview shoreline conditions before leaving home.

Beach Safety officials encourage beachgoers to swim near staffed lifeguard towers, follow posted warning flags, and remain aware of ocean conditions. Rip currents can occur even on days when the surf appears calm, and swimmers are urged to take precautions and follow lifeguard instructions.

As portions of the County’s beaches allow vehicle access, drivers should remain alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and other beach users, particularly during periods of heavy activity. Beach driving is permitted only in designated areas where standard traffic laws apply. The speed limit is 10 mph, headlights must remain on, and at least one front-seat window must remain open while driving. To help keep beaches clean, trash cans are placed along the coastline and at every County-maintained beach access point, including dune walkovers and vehicle ramps. Beachgoers should dispose of trash properly.

Residents who have not yet done so are encouraged to register their vehicles through ParkVolusia to receive free beach driving access and off-beach parking at County-owned lots. For non-residents, daily and annual beach driving and off-beach parking passes remain available for purchase. Visitor annual passes are available online, while daily passes may be purchased at kiosks located at participating beach access points. Passes for residents and visitors can be obtained at www.parkvolusia.org.

Beachgoers are encouraged to arrive early, adhere to posted guidelines, and follow lifeguards' and other public safety personnel's directions to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.