MASTER
 
 

Ride with Dawn Patrol 2024

By Jekyll Island Authority (other events)

104 Dates Through Sep 13, 2024
 
ABOUT ABOUT

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s (GSTC) Ride with Dawn Patrol program offers participants the unique opportunity to see what it is like to be a sea turtle field biologist tasked with daily nest monitoring on Jekyll Island. The morning will be spent patrolling Jekyll Island’s beaches with our sea turtle patrol team, riding in utility vehicles (UTVs) and walking on foot, assisting with a variety of tasks, including potentially protecting nests, checking for signs of predators, and potentially observing nest inventories. The opportunity to work alongside our research scientists and contribute to efforts to protect the sea turtle population on Jekyll Island will make this an immersive experience one will never forget. The patrol vehicles will depart on time at 6:30 AM and return by 10:30 AM, or when the beach survey is finished.

If you have any specific needs to participate, please contact us at least one week ahead of your reservation by emailing our Reservations Department at [email protected].

MEETING TIME: 

The patrol team will meet you at the Great Dunes Beach Deck (Large Pavilion) at 6:30 AM in a UTV labeled with the Jekyll Island Authority logo. The patrol vehicles will depart on time at 6:30 AM and return by 10:00 AM, or when the beach survey is finished.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This program lasts up to 3.5 hours and can include walkiing at least 3 miles and up to 12 miles on the beach.

AGE LIMIT:

Participants must be at least 10 years old.  All participants aged 10-15 years old are required to be accompanied by an adult (18+).

ATTIRE:

Due to insects and the potential for intense sun, we recommended bringing comfortable clothing, including a short-sleeved shirt, light jacket/rain jacket, shorts, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and closed-toed shoes.

PROVIDED ITEMS:

Sea turtle patrol vests

WE ENCOURAGE YOU BRING: 

  • Water (at least 2 liters)
  • Hat
  • Sun protection 
  • Bug spray 

UNAPPROVED ACTIVITIES:
Performing the following activities during patrol is grounds for immediate dismissal with no refund:

  • Unauthorized handling or harassment of sea turtles
  • Operating the vehicles at any given time
  • Flash photography
  • Flash videography

GUARANTEE:

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center does not guarantee that guests will observe a sea turtle nesting, a nest inventory, or sea turtle hatchlings while participating in the program. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is not responsible for any injury or complication that arises while participating in this program. Participants must comply with all instructions, including but not limited to vehicle safety and prohibited activities (e.g., touching a sea turtle). Non-compliance will result in the termination of the program with no refund.

Restrictions

Any person entering the premises waives all civil liability against this premises owner and operator for any injuries caused by the inherent risk associated with contracting COVID-19 at public gatherings, except for gross negligence, willful and wanton misconduct, reckless infliction of harm, or intentional infliction of harm, by the individual or entity of the premises.

Ride with Dawn Patrol is not suitable for children under 10 years of age. Children must be able to walk long distances and withstand extreme heat. All minors 10-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult (18+). All participants must be able to walk at least 3 to 12 miles and tolerate hot, humid, buggy and windy conditions. 

Please note that space is limited in our Utility Vehicles. Guests are restricted to one carry-on sized bag or small backpack (roughly 20” x 14” x 8”) with flexible exterior (no hard plastic backpacks) that may be required to fit on guests’ lap or on the Utility Vehicle’s floorboard under their legs. Guests should bring a large water bottle and adequate water for the duration of the program.

Prohibited Items/Actions include pets, smoking, flash photography, and flash videography.

Mailing Address

100 Stable Rd Jekyll Island, GA 31527