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Safety & Emergency

Welcome to Amelia Island’s safety and emergency information page. Here, you'll find all the essential details you need to ensure a safe and secure visit. From beach safety tips to emergency contacts and healthcare facilities, this page is your go-to resource for staying informed and prepared during your time here.

Beach Safety Reminders

The City of Fernandina Beach Fire Department has officially implemented a beach safety dashboard for Amelia Island. This tool helps all beachgoers stay informed of surf conditions, hazards, rules, plus lifeguard tower locations and status.

SAFE BEACH DAY

When visiting our beaches, please bear in mind the following guidelines:

Leave no Trace

Take all of your belongings with you when you leave the beach. Items left after sunset will be discarded.

Fill in Holes

Sandcastles are fun by day, but holes can be dangerous for people, turtles and even birds. Please fill in any holes.

Pets

All pets are to remain leashed at all times and owners must clean up after their pets. Doggie trash bag dispensers are available in select locations.

Horses

Amelia Island has rules for horses, including where they can be and when they can be there. Please see the FAQs below.

Lifeguards

Lifeguards are stationed along 3 main areas of beaches between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Towers are staffed during daytime hours weather permitting.

Rip Currents

If caught in a rip tide, remain calm, and do not swim directly against it. Swim parallel to shore until you are past the current, and then swim toward the shore. More information below.

Parking

Parking on the beach is open to visitors with 4-wheel drive vehicles at Seaside Park and Amelia Island State Park only. For residents of Nassau County, beach parking of 4-wheel drive vehicles is permitted at additional locations.

Surfing/Boarding

All surfboards and body boards must be tethered to the user’s leg while in the water. This is a Fernandina Beach city ordinance.

Sand Dunes

It is illegal to disturb or touch sand dunes and sea oats in Florida. Please use designated pathways only.

Prohibited

Alcoholic beverages, littering, glass containers, overnight camping within city limits, unleashed animals, fishing line that interferes with general public use. It is also unlawful for any person to bathe, swim, or wash in any body of water within the city limits, naked or insufficiently clothed.

Sea Turtle Nesting

Tread lightly amongst turtles. 90 percent of sea turtle nesting in the U.S. takes place in Florida, and Amelia Island is one of the idyllic spots where the ancient rituals of nesting and hatching unfold during spring and summer. Home to 4 species of nesting sea turtles, each year those born in the sands of Amelia Island travel back to their birthplace to lay their eggs. Only one in 1,000 will survive to adulthood, so protection of nesting is critical to the survival of these species. Learn simple ways to minimize your impact on sea turtles during your visit.

Sea Turtle Lighting

The City of Fernandina Beach has enacted a lighting ordinance restricting artificial beachfront lighting between sunset and sunrise from May 1 – October 31. Call the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch at 904-583-1913 to report any disturbed or disoriented hatchlings, or any dead or injured sea turtles.

Rip Currents: Know Your Options

Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore. They can sweep even the strongest swimmers away from shore. When possible, swim near a lifeguard.

If caught in a rip current:

  • Relax, rip currents don’t pull you under
  • Don’t swim against the current
  • Swim out of the current, then to shore
  • If you can’t escape, float or tread water
  • If you need help, yell or wave for assistance

Swim safety:

  • Know how to swim
  • Never swim alone
  • If in doubt, don’t go out
  • Swim near a lifeguard

Beach Warning Flags

Please be aware of beach flags that are designed to inform you of important water conditions. Follow the color codes below to know if the water is safe for entering. If you would like to receive Surf and Flag advisories, text: BCHSAFE to 888777.

Water Closed to Public

High Hazard – high surf and/or strong currents

Medium Hazard – moderate surf and/or currents

Low Hazard – calm conditions, exercise caution

Stinging Marine Life

Helpful Resources

Safe Beach Day Leave No Trace Beachfront Park Information

FAQs

Have a question about Amelia Island? Whether you’re curious about the best times to visit, things to do, or recommendations for dining and accommodations, you’re likely to discover the information you need here. Take a look at our most frequently asked questions to the right. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, send a message to Info@AmeliaIsland.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

  • What do I do in case of an emergency?
  • What are the closest medical care facilities?
  • Are there pharmacies on Amelia Island?
  • What are the rules for horses?
  • Can I camp on the beach?
  • Are there clothing requirements on Amelia Island beaches?
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FAQs

Have a question about Amelia Island? Whether you’re curious about the best times to visit, things to do, or recommendations for dining and accommodations, you’re likely to discover the information you need here. Take a look at our most frequently asked questions to the right. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, send a message to Info@AmeliaIsland.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

In case of emergency, please dial 911.

Poison Control Center: 800-222-1222
Fernandina Beach Fire Department: 904-277-7331
Nassau County Fire Department: 904-491-7525

Travel advisory information

Amelia Urgent Care is located at 1987 S. 8th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (904-624-7003).

Baptist Medical Center – Nassau is located at 1250 South 18th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (904-321-3500).

Walgreens is located at 2101 Sadler Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (904-277-9615).

CVS is located at 870 Sadler Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (904-261-0836).

Horses are prohibited north of Sadler Road Beach Access and within city limits. South of Sadler Road Beach Access, horses are allowed May-Oct from 5 p.m. to sunset and sunrise until 11 a.m. Nov-April, horses are permitted in designated areas south of Sadler Road, avoiding dunes and vegetation. Commercial exceptions require permits.

No, overnight camping is prohibited. However, camping is permitted in Fort Clinch State Park.

It is unlawful for any person to bathe, swim, or wash in any body of water within the city limits, naked or insufficiently clothed.

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