ATV/UTV Safety Training Miami Beach

ATV/UTV Training for Miami Beach Ocean Rescue

• ATVs and UTVs are increasingly used for transporting equipment and personnel, responding outside lifeguarded areas, and improving emergency response times.
• However, they pose risks of injury to the operator or others. Safe operation is key.

Protective Gear

• Eye protection (sunglasses) are essential to protect against sand, rocks, branches, bugs, and other hazards.

Equipment Inspection

• Tire Pressure: Maintain recommended pressure in all tires.
• Throttle: Check throttle operation by moving the handlebars fully left and right.
• Brakes: Ensure brakes are working smoothly and adjusted per owner's manual.
• Lights and Switches: Verify all lights function.
• Fuel Levels: Check fuel levels with the engine off. Inspect for leaks.
• Drive Train and Chassis: Conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle.
• Nuts and Bolts: Pay close attention to potential loosening from beach driving.
• Report any damage or safety concerns to your supervisor immediately.

Operation: Seating

• UTVs: Operators and passengers should sit side-by-side.
• ATVs: Only the operator should ride an ATV. Passengers are forbidden.
• No hands-free items while operating,

Operation: Passengers

• ATVs cannot carry a passenger.
• UTVs can be used for patient transport or moving personnel in emergencies.
• Reduce speed in passenger-carrying scenarios to 10-15 mph or less.
• In UTVs, operators and passengers must sit side-by-side.

Operation: Turns

• Low Speed: Shift body weight forward and outward during turns to reduce weight on inside rear wheel.
• High Speed: Shift upper body inward; keep weight on outer footrest to balance cornering forces.
• Tipping: Lean further into the turn, reduce throttle, and widen the turn.

Operation: Braking

• Release throttle; shift to a lower gear before stopping.
• Smooth, even braking for quickest stop.
• Use engine braking (lower gear) for descending hills instead of continuous braking.

Operation: Climbing

• Avoid excessively steep hills.
• Maintain footrests, shift body weight forward.
• Steep hills: Stand on footrests and lean forward for weight shift.
• Use low gear for climbing to reduce stalling.
• If stalled and rolling backward, apply brakes slowly.

Operation: Descending

• Shift to low gear, point ATV downhill.
• Keep feet on footrests and slide back to maintain stability and brake effectiveness.

Operation: Riding Across Slopes

• Avoid steep slopes with slippery or bumpy terrain.
• Maintain footrests, lean body uphill.
• Turn front wheels downhill if tipping.
• Dismount uphill side if turning downhill is impossible.

Operation: Choosing Speeds

• Choose speed appropriate for terrain, visibility, conditions, and experience.
• Generally, 10-15 mph unless emergency response or obstacle avoidance requires more speed.
• Scan ahead for safest driving paths; Use lights and sirens in emergencies to alert others.

Operation: Choosing Speeds for All Vehicles

• Exercise due care and caution; Employ nearest access point for all beach calls.
• Turn on vehicle headlights and flashing lights (as equipped) prior to entering beach area.
• Roll down both front windows while on the beach.
• Maximum speed: 10 – 15 mph.
• Vehicles, SUVs, and trucks are prohibited from soft sand except hard pack area (west of garbage cans).

Reading Terrain

• Understand terrain capabilities, choose routes safely
• Use existing vehicle paths or create open routes.
• Watch for obstacles (holes, ruts).
• Avoid salt water immersion (unless emergency);
• Give beachgoers the right of way (be courteous).
• Remove equipment to prevent rust before rinsing.
• Operate in 2WD on paved surfaces.

Proper Care of Equipment

• Wash ATVs/UTVs for 6-10 minutes (washing down daily, lubrication every other day).
• Removing equipment before cleaning helps avoid rust.
• Florida Statute 316.271 details emergency vehicle operation rules, including required warnings devices.