Treat people as you would like to be treated; always strive to do your best; and never, I mean never, wear white past Labor Day. These are life rules one should follow according to my Nana. There are also those common sense safety rules including don’t run with scissors or swim right after eating, never smoke in bed (or at all) and don’t drink and drive. Then there are the beach rules, which are considered essential in the New Smyrna Beach scheme of things…

These are the rules you need to adhere to in Volusia County (as stated on the Volusia County website) to help make the beach safe and enjoyable for everyone:

• Always swim directly in front of a lifeguard.
• The 10 mph speed limit is strictly enforced. Violators will be fined $116 and up.
• Alcohol and glass containers are not allowed.
• Pets are not allowed on the beach except service animals required due to a disability, as governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Music or noise that can be heard from more than 50 feet of the source is illegal.
• It is illegal to disturb dune vegetation.
• Driving or parking in the conservation zone is prohibited.
• Personal watercraft operators must stay in the proper zones and wear a helmet at all times.
• Grilling on the beach – Beachgoers are permitted to grill on the beach. If using charcoal to grill, beachgoers must take the charcoal with them and properly dispose of it off of the beach. Charcoal cannot be disposed in the beach trash/recycle containers and it may not be put in the sand. 

Additionally, here are a set of rules (also provided on the Volusia County website) that were designed to help us protect our beautiful and treasured environment:

• Don’t disturb a turtle that is crawling to or from the ocean or laying eggs. 
• Avoid shining lights on the beach at night as this may frighten away nesting females and interfere with the baby turtles’ ability to find the sea.
• Avoid walking or cycling in places posted as nesting areas.
• Report injured or dead sea turtles to Volusia County Beach Safety.
• Do not disturb markers or protective screening over turtle nests. 
• Avoid walking on the dunes along the beach.
• Don’t disturb nesting sea birds
• Don’t litter. 
• Do your part to spread the word about environment-friendly habits on the beach.