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Rules & Safety Tips

Rules & Safety Tips

Things to Know When Visiting Jekyll Island

General

  • In case of an emergency, dial 911 and inform the dispatcher you’re on Jekyll Island
    • Utilizing the 911 system is the most efficient way to handle emergency calls. By calling 911, it enables many advanced features to locate and gather information about the emergency that can not be obtained by dialing Emergency Services directly
    • Everyone is encouraged to call 911 for ALL emergencies
    • The Jekyll Island Fire Department and the Georgia State Patrol are the Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement providers on the island
  • Location is vital in an emergency, beach crossovers are numbered for your safety
  • No fishing or swimming in lakes or ponds
  • No fireworks, unless permitted by Jekyll Island Authority
  • No recreational drones
  • No overnight parking in public areas, including beach lots
  • Lock all cars and secure belongings
  • No ATVs anywhere on island
  • Do not feed stray or feral animals
  • No metal or mineral detectors

Wildlife

  • Treat all wildlife with respect; you are a guest in this wild habitat
  • Do not feed any wildlife, including alligators, deer, turtles, raccoons, birds, and snakes
  • Do not approach, harass, or remove any wildlife
  • Do not approach any alligator and maintain a safe distance of at least 20 feet
  • Do not enter any ponds, lakes, or ditches
  • If you encounter an injured, sick, or dead animal do not attempt to handle or assist it. Submit a wildlife incident report »

Beaches

  • No flashlights, unless turtle friendly »
  • No motorized vehicles
  • No fires
  • No fireworks
  • No cooking, grilling, or open flames
  • No horseback riding, unless by licensed vendor
  • No glass containers
  • No overnight camping
  • No metal or mineral detectors
  • Stay out of the dunes
  • Only take empty shells and dead sand dollars
  • Do not disturb turtle nests or turtles
  • Fill in sand castles and holes
  • Remove all trash, tents & belongings from the beach; belongings left overnight will be removed and thrown away
  • Use caution on sandbars

Pets

  • Pets are permitted on most beaches and in parks year-round
  • Pets must be on a leash and physically controlled at all times; maximum length for leashes is 16 feet
  • An e-collar is not a substitute for physical leash
  • No pets allowed on beach between South Dunes Picnic Area and 2,000 feet southeast of St. Andrews Picnic Area
  • Keep pets out of dunes
  • Remove and dispose of pet fecal material

Bikes

  • Bike helmets are required for riders age 16 and younger
  • Ride single-file on bike paths
  • Keep on bike paths when possible
  • Share the road; drivers and cyclists have equal rights to use the road

Golf Carts

  • No golf carts on bike paths
  • Golf carts are allowed on roads, but must be street legal (braking system, reflectors, horn, rear view mirror, seat belts, and hand holds for each passenger)

Ordinances

Full list of Jekyll Island ordinances »

Report a Wildlife Incident on Jekyll Island