As the Spring Break tourism boom approaches, Fort Lauderdale officials want travelers to balance fun with safety — both on the beach and across the city.
Mayor Dean Tantralis joined fire department and police officials on Friday to discuss safety measures and city initiatives for the break. The city attracts crowds of revelers each year.
“It’s really important that the college kids know that Fort Lauderdale is putting out the welcome mat for you to come here and enjoy,” Tantralis said.
Police Chief Bill Schultz detailed safety tips for visitors: Use designated rideshare pickup locations; share your trips with loved ones on rideshare apps; check license plates; remember where you’re staying; travel in groups; watch your drinks closely; keep your cellphone and wallet on you; protect yourself from pickpocketing and always check your surroundings.
Fire Chief Steve Gollan added that people should wear life jackets on boats, never swim alone, abstain from drinking before and during water activities, and avoid diving headfirst from charter boats due to the presence of shallow waters.
A naloxone emergency kit is displayed at Las Olas Oceanside Park during a news conference regarding Spring Break safety on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
“Our fire rescue teams, lifeguards, and police officers are here to protect you, but we need your help to prevent emergencies before they happen,” Gollan said.
In designated locations, visitors and residents will have access to dispensers with naloxone, an opioid-overdose antidote, in case someone is having an overdose. Also, more lifeguards will be on duty, responding to any beach emergencies.
Police Lt. David Ochoa said visitors should remain vigilant to any possible drowning. People should pay attention to any beach warning flags.
They also should swim near lifeguard towers, and never alone.
Learn to handle rip currents.
Stay hydrated.
Avoid digging holes deeper than 12 inches in the sand.
And don’t interfere with designated sea turtle nests.
A sign lists items and activities prohibited on the beach at Las Olas Oceanside Park on Friday. During a news conference, Fort Lauderdale officials outlined high-impact regulations for the upcoming Spring Break season. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Starting next week, beaches will close temporarily after 5 p.m. for a cleanup period, which officials said would take about an hour per day.
In recent years, the police and fire departments have operated Spring Break tents, hoping to convince students to join their workforce after graduation. They’ll continue the recruitment initiative this year.
“We started that a few years ago, and immediately we found that visiting college students who are having a fantastic time on our sunny beaches, a lot of them want to stay,” Schultz said.
Local businesses are also readying themselves for the influx of visitors. Julia Joseph, 44, who has worked on and off at Bo’s Beach restaurant for five years, said that staff prepare for Spring Break crowds by starting opening shifts an hour and a half early. When the beachside restaurant gets too packed, it sends those looking for tables to neighboring spots.
“It’s great, because you can see the actual live performances and hear it in here,” Joseph said. “Basically, we’re flooded. This is probably one of the best places to come to actually see the stage, because it’s literally right across the street.”
Her advice for young people on Spring Break? Tip service staff well.