JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – The Jax Beach Skate Park has been open two months, and there's already been several calls to 911 after people have gotten hurt at the skate park.
Many have asked News4Jax why helmets are not required at the skate park, saying it could help reduce the number of injuries, especially to children.
On Tuesday afternoon, News4Jax went to Jax Beach Skate Park to look into it, and got some answers.
The park was filled with skaters as well as parents. Swannetta McCray said the first thing she taught her 10-year-old son about skateboarding is safety first -- always wear a helmet.
"He loves it. It has different dynamics, different ramps. It's one of the best ones in Jacksonville," McCray said.
According to the skate park rules, No. 2 states helmets and safety equipment are recommended, but not required.
McCray said she believes the park should look into requiring everyone to wear a helmet.
"Because that would cut down on injuries. It's very easy to have an accident with the different ramps and different levels. It's always good to be safe," she said.
According to the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, there has been one injury report filed since the skate park opened March 16.
During that time, the police department said, there were three calls for service in reference to a person hurt at the skate park that went to the fire department. But the fire department said it believes there were more calls than that, and will send details on those calls to News4Jax Wednesday.
A GoFundMe account was created earlier this month to help with the medical expenses a young man who was involved in a skating accident and fractured his skull.
McCray thinks a helmet requirement would help cut down on injuries like that. But in the meantime, she said, she's glad her son understands the importance of safety.
"It's very important because I want him to stay safe. Even though he wants to have fun, it's always safety first," the mother said.
Her son, Cameron McCray, agreed.
"I like to wear a helmet because it will keep me safe, although I do dangerous stuff," he said.
News4Jax asked the city of Jacksonville Beach why helmets are a recommendation -- not a requirement -- and it said, "Because it would be difficult to enforce without substantial investment in manpower."
Kona Skatepark in Jacksonville -- the oldest skate park in the world -- requires skaters to wear a helmet. Oceanside Rotary Skate Park in Atlantic Beach requires all skaters under the age of 17 to wear a helmet.