VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County Beach Safety lifeguards rescued a baby sea turtle hatchling yesterday morning after it washed back onto the beach.
Lifeguards transported the hatchling to the Marine Science Center for evaluation and care.
The rescue comes as Volusia County experiences a record-breaking sea turtle nesting season, leading to an increased number of hatchlings along the coastline. Ocean conditions can cause young turtles to become exhausted or disoriented, leaving them stranded along the shoreline.
The phenomenon is known as a “washback,” which occurs when waves, winds or currents push young sea turtles back onto shore after they have entered the ocean.
Turtles in this state are often tired or weakened from their time in the water and require care before returning to sea.
Volusia County officials advise beachgoers who encounter a hatchling to give the animal plenty of space. Visitors should avoid touching, picking up or attempting to return a turtle to the water, as exhausted or disoriented hatchlings require evaluation by trained personnel to determine if intervention is needed.
Anyone who finds a stranded or distressed sea turtle hatchling on the beach is asked to notify a Beach Safety lifeguard or another authorized official.
Members of the public can also report stranded turtles directly to the Marine Science Center at 386-304-5545.
The Marine Science Center is located in Ponce Inlet, Fla. Visitors to the facility can view recovering sea turtles and learn about local rescue and rehabilitation efforts as washback season continues.
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