ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – With heat advisories still in effect across Northeast Florida, emergency crews in St. Johns County are keeping busy—not just with water rescues, but heat-related emergencies on the sand.
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Lieutenant Daniel Power with St. Johns County Marine Rescue said over the last few days, crews have responded to a growing number of calls related to heat exposure.
“The first step is getting people out of the sun—into the shade or into a rescue truck with air conditioning,” Power explained. “If they’re nauseous or confused, we don’t give water right away. That can actually make things worse.”
Instead, they cool the body gradually by pouring water over the back of the neck or arms and using fans or the sea breeze to help reduce body temperature.
“That’s the biggest thing people need to take into account—helping the body cool down slowly,” said Power.
Many of these calls happen earlier in the day, before the sea breeze rolls in. And when the wind is calm and the sun is high, beach sand temperatures can spike dramatically.
“You’re averaging about 110 to 120 degrees on top of the sand,” Chris Naff with St. Johns County Fire Rescue said. “And that’s not even counting direct sunlight.”
While riding along with the marine rescue team, News4JAX witnessed just how hot the upper beach sand can get compared to the cooler, packed sand closer to the shoreline. That’s why safety starts with proper preparation: bring shade, wear protective footwear, and pack plenty of fluids.
“Make sure you hydrate, eat a solid meal before you come, and don’t skip lunch if you’re staying all day,” said Power.
It’s not just visitors who need to stay cool—lifeguards follow a strict protocol of rotating stations, taking frequent breaks, and staying stocked with cold water.
“My job is to take care of them so they can take care of everyone else,” Power said. “They’re the backbone of beach safety.”
So, what’s the number one thing not to do at the beach in this heat? According to Power—alcohol.
“A drink or two with lunch isn’t the issue,” he said. “It’s when people come down here to party and stop paying attention to their bodies. That’s when the heat and alcohol mix becomes dangerous.”
The bottom line: enjoy the beach, but come prepared. Bring shade, drink water, avoid alcohol, and swim near a lifeguard stand—just in case something goes wrong.
“It’s a beautiful place to be,” Power said. “Just be smart about it.”
