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

With beachgoers flocking to St. Augustine to celebrate Independence Day, St. Johns County is partnering with the Tourist Development Council to offer free shuttle service between St. Augustine Beach City Hall and the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier parking lot July 4-7 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Shuttles will run 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 the beaches safe.

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

As noted in a county press release, colored warning flags will indicate current water and surf conditions. Red indicates a high hazard with stronger currents and dangerous surf conditions. Yellow indicates a medium hazard level with strong currents and surf. Purple indicates dangerous marine life is in the area. If a flag is absent, visitors should still exercise caution when swimming in the ocean.

Rip currents — powerful, fast-moving water currents — can be recognized by a foamy, choppy, brownish water with sand churning the water as it rapidly heads out to sea. Experts suggest remaining calm if caught in a rip current. Swim parallel with the shoreline to get out of the current. Once safe, swim back to shore. Do not venture beyond knee-high level if you’re not a strong swimmer.

According to the press release, the county is asking everyone to observe flag colors, swim near a lifeguard, and call 911 for emergencies.

Vehicular Beach Access

Passes are required for beach access between March and September. St. Johns County residents must present a valid ID with an in-county address or present in-county property tax payments to purchase a resident pass for $50. Non-resident passes cost $100 and ADA-accessible passes cost $40. All sales are final.

Beach passes can be purchased with cash at any beach access ramp. 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 ADA-accessible passes require proof of qualification. Disabled military veterans are eligible for a free annual pass with a military ID or a letter from Veterans Affairs verifying the disabled status.

Vehicles must be 4-wheel drive. Vehicular beach access is contingent on beach conditions, weather, sand and tides, all of which might temporarily limit access or close ramps. Daily driving conditions are posted to S t. Johns County Beach’s Facebook and X accounts, through the SJC Connect App and on the county's Beach Driving Updates webpage .

Beach driving

• Vehicle traffic must remain within driving lanes identified by cones.
• Parking is designated on the west side of the driving lane between the cones and the conservation zone.
• Vehicles driving on the beach must follow a 10 mph speed limit.
• Traffic may not enter the beach at the Fort Matanzas Ramp.
• Vehicles must stop at all beach ramps and yield to pedestrians.
• Drivers should remain updated with beach and soft sand conditions.

Four-wheel drive vehicles with beach passes are permitted to drive on the beach 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Beach Rules

• Music should not be heard more than 25 feet from its source.
• Alcoholic beverages and glass containers are prohibited.
• Open fires are prohibited. Heated objects such as coal must be disposed of properly.
• Fireworks are prohibited.
• All animals must be leashed. Animal waste must be removed from the beach.
• Soliciting, canvassing and commercial activities are not allowed.
• Launching motorized boats from an undesignated shoreline is prohibited.

Beach Wheelchair Access

Beach accessible wheelchairs are available for free. Wheelchairs must be reserved at least three days in advance. Reservations are not guaranteed. Chairs must be returned by 3 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 access ramps.

Bicycle locks will be used to secure wheelchairs. Upon reservation confirmation, the lock’s combination will be issued. The chair should be locked when not in use. Beach Accessible Wheelchairs can be reserved through an Online Reservation System .

For beach access, policies, safe driving tips, and conditions, visit www.sjcfl.us/beaches . Click here for guidance on beach safety.

This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: The St. Augustine Record reviews the rules and regulations for beachgoers celebrating July 4