Sea Turtle Beach Steward Program Toolkit

survey the wrack lineSeason is from July 1st to November 30th

Annual Volunteer Training

Successful implementation of the Beach Steward program requires coordination, teamwork, and consistency by all involved in marine turtle protection.

Volunteers are required to complete the Beach Steward program orientation and attend one mock beach survey training session. See all important information below:

 

Step 1: New Volunteers complete NEW volunteer application

  • Application must be printed and brought to beach survey training (see days and times below)
  • Bring copy of driver license with application
  • Applications are secured and brought to personnel department for processing and immediate shredding to protect your personal information
  • Every page must be completed and signed or this will delay your entry into the program
    Under 18 application

Step 2: Returning Volunteers complete RETURNING volunteer application
Application can be emailed to volunteer coordinator, Martha Ferguson (mferguson@sjcfl.us)
Under 18 application

Step 3: Complete Online Orientation

Step 4: Complete Online QUIZ
This lets us know you have completed the orientation

Step 5: Attend simulated beach survey training (see days and times below)

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

  • Monday, August 9, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, South Ponte Vedra Park, 2993 South Ponte Vedra Blvd, St. Augustine
  • Wednesday, August 11, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Surfside Park, 3070 Coastal Highway, St. Augustine
  • Monday, August 16, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Butler East Park, 5860 A1A South, St. Augustine

Step 6: County staff will contact you with zone assignment and start date

Have more questions? Please read the Frequently Asked Questions page or email volunteer coordinator, Martha Ferguson (mferguson@sjcfl.us)

Additional Information

  • Volunteers must possess a valid Florida Driver's License and pass a background screening.
  • Volunteers are required to commit the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month (September to November) for beach cleanups and be on call in response to storms.
  • Children under 18 are welcome to volunteer but they must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
  • Volunteer/community service hours can be accounted for with this program.

Data Entry

Zone captain or designated volunteer may enter survey data here

Additional data sheets

Supplies

  • Washback Gear Bag with:
  • Notebook or enclosed clip board for holding data sheets
  • 4 bait buckets (2 labeled “dead” and 2 labeled “live”)
  • Caliper or ruler
  • Sunscreen, hand sanitizer
  • Pens and pencils
  • Notebook with the Following Resources:
  • Washback Survey Protocol
  • Washback Data Sheet
  • Map

Conditions

Weather: It is important that you know what kind of weather to expect during your morning surveys.
You can also load a weather predictor app on your iPhone or Smartphone. NOAA Weather Florida

Tides: It is important that you know what type of tide you will be encountering on your morning surveys.
You can also load a tides predictor app on your iPhone or Smartphone. NOAA Tide Predictor

Sea Turtle RescueWho do I call?

Never push an animal back into the ocean. The animal is either injured or ill and needs medical attention.

  • Stranded Sea Turtle – 1-888-404-FWCC (3922)
    If you are sea turtle patrol volunteer contact your permit holder.
  • Marine Mammals – 1-888-404-FWCC (3922)
    This includes whales and dolphins.
  • FWC Fish Kill Hotline – Submit a Fish Kill Report online,
    or call 1-800-636-051.
    All fish types including but not limited to sharks and sunfish

Contact

Interested in volunteering? To find our more please visit the Beach Steward Page.

Turtle on the beach