Washback watchers

What should you do if you find a small washback sea turtle?

Are you an avid beach walker who is interested in volunteering your time to look for more than just seashells along the beach?

If you are, join the Washback Watcher program! This team of permitted volunteers is trained to find and rescue young sea turtles that wash ashore due to heavy winds and surf (August through November).

Volunteers help us look for sea turtles among accumulations of seaweed along their favorite section of beach during the months of August through November. Training takes place each June or July. We are no longer accepting volunteers for the 2026 washback season. If you would like to be added to the waitlist for 2027, please email nweiss@volusia.gov. 

Washback Watcher chain of custody  [PDF]

Washback Watcher survey log   [PDF] 

Washback Watcher survey log    [On-line form]

Washback volunteer zone map   [PDF] 

Seaweed Secrets Solved!  [PDF]

The Wrack Community   [PDF]