SARASOTA COUNTY (WSNN) – Memorial Day weekend is here and all area beaches are open. Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and EMS, as well as the Sarasota Police Department, have some safety tips.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging us to take extra precautions during this unique Memorial Day Weekend.
“We will see an increase in people, especially in the loosening up of the rules, we’re going to see a lot more people out on the beaches,” Lieutenant Brian Gregory said.
So, Gregory says they will have more patrols to keep people safe.
He says this weekend usually sees an increase in traffic as well as drinking and driving. So he’s asking the people on the Suncoast to:
“Obey traffic signs, obey traffic, signals, obey speed limit signs, use your crosswalks when crossing streets,” Gregory said.
And when it comes to protecting your valuables Gregory says to leave them at home or place them in the trunks of your cars.
“Don’t leave them out and open in your cars, so people can see them,” Gregory said. “You don’t want them to break in your cars and steal your identity and steal your things.”
Sarasota Police’s Captain Demetri Konstantopoulos says they will have more patrols out on the water as well.
“Our main concern every Memorial Day is drinking and driving or boating and driving,” Konstantopoulos said. “And we really hope that people make wise choices when it comes to that. And not put themselves and other people in harm’s way.”
Sarasota County Lifeguard Chief, Scott Montgomery, is adding staff, anticipating crowded beaches.
He advises people to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and swim near a lifeguard if you can. They’re on duty from 10 am to 4:45 pm.
“Watch the beach conditions warning flags that the guards are flying for the day,” Montgomery said.
Montgomery urges caution around pools as well.
“Because sometimes smaller children when they fall in, you’re not really going to hear the splash,” Montgomery said.
The officers along with the lifeguards are encouraging the coronavirus precautions.
“Let’s make sure we’re at least six–feet apart, make sure there are groups of no more than 10, and try to wash hands as much as possible,” Montgomery said.
When it comes to state official coronavirus safety recommendations, the sheriff’s office says it’s important to follow. Violations are punishable by a second–degree misdemeanor and a fine up to $500.
Montgomery says lifeguards provide safety updates twice a day on visitbeaches.org.
And the Sarasota Police will be putting updates on their social media about parking lots.
