Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
Each year thousands of locals and
tourists visit the beautiful beaches and waters of the Emerald Coast. This is one of the reasons
the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
now
has full-time law enforcement service on the beaches and waterways, utilizing
its mission to make them as safe as possible for everyone to enjoy.
The Marine Unit of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office began patrolling and protecting the waters of Okaloosa County in 1997. Deputies patrolling the heavy boating areas of the county are prepared to render assistance or enforcement wherever it is needed. Boating has become a popular sport among Floridians and tourists and Okaloosa County is no exception. The Destin harbor is an especially active area for vacationers, residents, and fishermen alike. With the addition of many commercial and recreational vessels, the waters of Okaloosa County can be extremely busy at times. As more watercraft continue to cruise the harbors of Okaloosa County, we want everyone to have fun, but also remember to be safe and responsible. It is your duty as a boater to know and observe the boating rules and practices to prevent collisions, injuries, and death. For everyone's safety, here are a few basic rules to remember when you are operating a jet ski or wave runner.
Jet ski and Wave runner Safety:
DO observe slow speed, idle speed, and minimum wake zones.
DO stay clear of swimmers, scuba diver down flags, charter boats, and other watercraft.
DO maintain a safe distance from boat docks, boardwalks, bridges, and other structures.
DO wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device at all times when operating a personal watercraft. Also, an approved whistle must be attached to use in case of emergency.
DO have a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch attached to your person, clothing or flotation device.
DON'T operate any motorized watercraft within 700 feet of the Gulf shoreline.
DON'T jump the wake of any motorized watercraft.
DON'T operate any vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
DON'T
operate a personal watercraft from half an hour after sunset to half an
hour before sunrise.
Beach Patrol also began in 1997 and has proven to be very effective by maintaining safety on our beaches. The deputies perform a number of valuable services for Okaloosa County residents and visitors alike, including educating beach-goers; those who enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, sunbathing, or just walking along the finest beaches in the world.
In October of the year 2000, in partnership with the city of Destin, the Sheriff's Office provided two additional full-time deputies for Beach Patrol. This was made possible by a grant from the federal government at no cost to taxpayers. The new deputies will work a variety of projects involving beach activities by coordinating directly with local resorts and motels in an effort to create an even safer beach environment for vacationers and locals. Included below is useful information for beach-goers visiting Okaloosa County beaches.
Seven Sins of the Beach:
1. NO LITTER on the beach. Everyone
should know this one, but we find stacks of abandoned trash, cans, cigarette
butts, and bottles
every day. We want to keep our beaches beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
Which brings us to...
2. NO GLASS on the beach. It's okay to bring your favorite drink,
alcoholic or otherwise, but not in a glass container. If you have beer or other
alcohol, you must be at least 21 years old....and bring your ID to prove it.
3. NO ANIMALS on the beach. Animals are not allowed on the beaches
for health and safety reasons.
4. NO FIRES on the beach. We do not allow fires on the beach
because we want to keep the sand white and also for health and safety
reasons.
5. NO VEHICLES on the beach. Beach cleaning machines, approved
beach services, and emergency vehicles are the only exceptions.
6. HEED WARNING FLAGS on the beach. Most often, a yellow flag is flying.
This means enter the water with caution. The red flag means that conditions are
dangerous; please do not venture into the surf. Only on the calmest days will
you see the blue flag (still swim with caution).
7. NO BOATING near the beach. An Okaloosa County Ordinance requires
motorboats (including jet skis, wave runners, etc.) to stay at least 700 feet
from the Gulf shoreline.
Have a great time at the beach. Visit with the beach and marine patrol deputies when you see them... and call 9-1-1 to report emergencies, or (850) 651-7400 to report non-urgent incidents.
Okaloosa County Sheriff's
Office
1250 North Eglin Parkway
Shalimar, FL 32579
(850) 651-7410