DeLand, FL - Volusia County Council is relaxing the rules about many exercise-related activities at the beach. The double-red flag will still fly, which means swimmers swim at their own risk. Lifeguards may not be on duty but Beach Safety Patrol will still be enforcing CDC guidelines for social distancing and group gatherings.
After making the decision to close the beaches on Thursday, many citizens and a couple of members of the VCC made it clear they want the beaches open for locals and for exercise purposes.
In a press release issued by Interim Community Information Director Kevin Captain today (April 4):
"The beach remains closed. However, in an effort to provide an outlet for physical exercise, Volusia County has issued the Fifth Directive of Emergency Measures relaxing the prohibition of certain exercise-related activities on the beach. With neighboring Brevard County making the decision to open their beaches for physical activity, the expectation is that Volusia County will experience low numbers of non-residents visiting the beach. The new measure provides exceptions to the closure for the activities of walking, jogging, biking, fishing, surfing and swimming. Activities such as sunbathing, sitting in chairs, organized sports or lying on blankets and grouping of people on the beach remains prohibited. A minimum of six-foot social distancing shall apply, and social distancing orders issued by the federal and state government must be observed. When permitted activities are complete, beachgoers are required to leave the beach."
“We are facing real dangers in this community and in our nation,” said County Manager George Recktenwald. “Volusia County will continue to monitor the situation and make the best decisions for the safety of our citizens.”
On Friday April 3, the first day of complete closure of the beach, Beach Safety Captain Tammy Malphurs said that her officers stayed busy educating beachgoers about the beach closure. She said about 120 verbal warnings, one written warning, and one citation were handed out.
