Swim at your own risk – lifeguards leave

Historic City News reporters remind our readers that with the passing of Labor Day and the end of summer, also comes the end of summer beach patrol and the protection afforded from lifeguards attending towers along our forty-two miles of pristine Atlantic beaches.

Saturday, September 17th, Marine Rescue patrols will end as St. Johns County transitions into the off-season.

Emergency medical, marine rescue and law enforcement will need to be called out to respond to citizen requests for service; the first responders customarily posted along the beach will not return to duty until next spring.

Beach driving and parking rules apply all year, as posted, according to Sgt. Charles E. Mulligan with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. “Be alert to loose sand, sporadic congestion and other hazardous conditions,” Mulligan warned.

St. Johns County Fire Rescue Lt. Jeremy Robshaw said that swimmers and surfers need to raise awareness of their surroundings, potential rip current and undertow, as well as the other risks normally associated with ocean swimming. “Carry a cell phone with you to the beach and try not to swim alone, at night, or in an isolated area,” said Robshaw.