Volunteers wanted to help save sea turtles

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – St. Johns County is putting a call out to the community looking for volunteers to help save the lives of sea turtles on the county's beaches.

Part of the 2015 Washback Turtle Season, volunteers are asked to head to beaches surveying lines of seaweed for just hatched sea turtles who have been pushed back onto the beach after making it to the ocean.

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According to biologists, recently hatched sea turtles who make it to the ocean, swim in search of large masses of seaweed where they find refuge and protection.

Sometimes after high tide or during storms that seaweed, or washback, is washed ashore, taking the young turtles with it and leaving them tired, dehydrated and in need of medical attention.

Washback volunteers search the washback and call authorities if they find a turtle. Volunteers don't have standard shifts or hours and are contacted through an on-call system to survey the lines of seaweed.

Anyone wanting to volunteer has to complete certain criteria including:

  • Complete a county volunteer application
  • Pass a background check
  • Possess a valid Florida driver's license
  • Complete an online orientation session
  • Attend one mandatory survey training conducted on the beach


Children under 18 can also volunteer but must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

For more information, potential volunteers can check out the St. Johns County Sea Turtle Washback Volunteer information page at www.co.st-johns.fl.us/HCP/Volunteer.aspx, or call 904-209-0331, ext 7.