Beach rules protect all

W hether you came here to fish, to enjoy the climate or for

Beachgoers walk their dogs on the Port Aransas shore. The city's leash law applies at the beach. whatever reason,

chances are you'll wind up on the beach sooner or later.

Port Aransans are proud of our Gulf beaches, and want visitors to enjoy them as much as possible. But we also have to take care of them, to assure our children and grandchildren can also enjoy them.

Here are the beach rules:

• A beach parking permit is required for areas between marker 0 and marker 62 with the exception of free parking areas (between the south jetty and Horace Caldwell Pier and between markers 52 and 58). Permits are available at any Stripes convenience store, at the Family Center IGA, at city hall or from the vendor located on the beach. A $12 permit allows parking for a calendar year (Jan. 1-Dec. 31).

• Camping is allowed up to three nights in any three-week period. No water, electric or sewer hookups are available on the beach.

• Beach parking permits are not valid in I.B. Magee County Park (a park camping permit is required there) and are not required in the county area between the south jetty and Horace Caldwell Pier.

• Campfires are allowed, but no larger than 3x3 feet. City ordinances forbid burning of any material that may contain nails.

• For everyone's safety, no glass containers are allowed on the beach.

•The beach is a public street; all traffic regulations apply. The speed limit is 15 miles an hour. Driving within 50 feet of the water's edge is not allowed.

• For the protection of our dune system, driving in the dunes is prohibited.

• Port Aransas has a leash law (requiring dogs to be kept on a leash), and this law also applies to beaches.

• For the benefit of tourists, there will be no solicitation on the beach.

Money from beach parking permits goes to beach maintenance (not only cleaning the beaches, but providing safety parking areas, maintaining a drivable road way, trash barrels and restroom facilities, shower facilities and drinking water), beach safety (lifeguards and emergency medical services) and beach patrol (law enforcement for the beach area).