Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue Braces for High Tides, Rough Surf
An assistant captain said the unusually high tides could make it harder for Ocean Rescue crews to drive along the beach while responding to some emergencies.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — High tides, powerful currents and strong winds are shaping a challenging weekend for Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue.
With dangerous surf, the potential for debris to be carried into the ocean and high water limiting beach access, Ocean Rescue officials hope the conditions discourage people from entering the water this weekend.
“It’s very windy out there, but we’ve been having fun today,” Jacques Evans said as he left the beach. “We’ve been getting some seashells.”
Evans had brought his family from Valdosta, Georgia, to spend the day at Jacksonville Beach.
For some family members, including Janae Evans, it was their first visit to the beach.
But the strong wind and rough surf kept the family out of the water.
“They said there could be a little small storm, so I already knew it was going to be bad out here,” Jacques Evans said.
The family still found ways to enjoy the outing without going into the ocean. Ocean Rescue Assistant Captain Rob Emahiser hopes other beachgoers make the same choice.
“We want to advise people to stay out of the water,” Emahiser said. “Come and look, but consider doing that from the land. Stay on the beach. Don’t try surfing or swimming for the first time. Unless you’re an expert, you shouldn’t be out there.”
Emahiser said lifeguards are carrying flippers whenever they patrol the beach or respond to a call, preparing for the possibility that they may need to battle the rough surf.
“With the higher-than-usual tide, it may be possible there’s a high enough tide that we may not be able to get to certain spots via the beach,” Emahiser said. “We may have to take the street. If we have a response to an emergency, it could take longer.”
Emahiser said the water could reach the dune vegetation, potentially leaving lifeguards with a significantly reshaped shoreline to navigate.
“We’ll lose a lot of sand,” Emahiser said. “A lot of sand will be pulled off the beach and be just offshore in sandbars.”
He added that Jacksonville Beach will likely remain narrower until another beach renourishment project takes place.
The most recent renourishment was completed in 2024. The next project is not expected until 2029 or 2030, depending on the impact of major weather events.
