Public Safety

The Ocean Reef Public Safety Department is a multi-function organization consisting of Officers trained to perform EMS, fire fighting, and security operations. Public Safety Officers utilize two ALS ambulances, an E-One fire engine, a 75 foot aerial ladder fire truck, two patrol boats and multiple patrol cars, each equipped with automated electronic defibrillators (AED's).

The Ocean Reef Public Safety Department also operates the Ocean Reef Front Gate and Welcome Center. Officers assigned to the Front Gate/Welcome Center are responsible for ensuring that all members, guest and employees gaining access to Ocean Reef have proper clearance. Golf Cart License testing for children and background checks for employees working on Ocean Reef are also performed by the Welcome Center staff. Public Safety Department Communications Officers dispatch all 911 and other non-emergency calls for the department. 

MISSION STATEMENT

"Caring for and Protecting Ocean Reef’s Unique Way of Life."


Phone Numbers

  • Fire Apparatus 75’ ladder & pumper (400 gal of water)
  • Fire Apparatus Engine & pumper (1,000 gal of water)
  • Advanced Life Support Units: 2
  • Cars: multiple cars & carts for security patrols
  • Patrol Boats & cameras for waterway security patrols
  • Calls for Service 2013 is 11,760

 

 

Golf Cart Regulations

Ocean Reef is a very unique community that utilizes the golf cart as a primary method of transportation.  The use of golf carts is ecologically pleasing as well as fun.  With a large number of people expected to be in the Ocean Reef Community throughout the holidays, we would like to reinforce some of the rules and regulations of golf cart use.

All private carts should be registered through Public Safety.  The red decals are for carts that exceed 18mph which should be driven on the roadway and blue decals are for slower carts which should remain on the golf cart paths when possible.  The decals allow everybody an easy method of determining ownership as well as reporting those carts that are being operated improperly.  Typically, large carts are fast carts and are required to be driven on the roadway. 

Operators must be at least 12 years of age and licensed either through Ocean Reef Public Safety or posses a valid state driver license. Please remind children not to joy ride on private property including driving through condominium parking areas.  They are also prohibited from using a cell phone while driving. 

To operate a golf cart at night, the golf cart must have working headlights and taillights. Flashlights do not count.

Children should not be carried in the laps of adults – they must not be in the lap of the driver.  The requirements of the driver are such that adding a child to the lap is not safe for either the child or the driver.  Additionally, the steering wheel can cause significant injury to the child if the driver must stop suddenly. 

Left turns cause the greatest number of injuries, since the passenger is often not expecting the turn and has no ability to prepare.  Likewise, rear passengers can be ejected on starts, unless they are given a warning that the cart is starting or turning.

Drive the golf cart as you would a motor vehicle, do not assume right of way – rather obey all rules of the road. 

The Public Safety Department will be out during the holiday period, paying specific attention to the operation of golf carts and establishing random check points to ensure the safety of all in our community.  If you should have any questions or concerns, please call us at 367-2222 or 367-HELP(4357)


NEW 2017 GOLF CART LICENSING AND OPERATOR RESTRICTIONS

1.    Ocean Reef golf cart learner’s permit requirements/restrictions:

     - Must be at least 4’9” tall

     - Must be sponsored by a family member who is either a Club member or a homeowner

     - Must be at least 10 years old

     - Must pass written and driving tests

     - May only drive when accompanied by a licensed driver at least 18 years old

     - May only drive carts with a maximum speed of 17 MPH

     - May drive only during daylight hours

     - May not drive while texting or using earbuds or cell phone

2.    Ocean Reef golf cart driver license requirements/restrictions:

      - Must have held a learner’s permit for at least 12 months

     - Must be at least 12 years old

     - May drive only carts with a maximum speed of 17 MPH

     - May drive only during daylight hours

     - May not drive while texting or using earbuds or cell phone

3. Restrictions for youthful drivers operating a golf cart under a state-issued driver license:

- Age 16, may not drive a golf cart after 11:00 PM unless accompanied by an adult over 21

     - Age 17, may not drive a golf cart after 1:00 AM unless accompanied by an adult over 21

4.    Restrictions applying to drivers operating golf carts under a state-issued license:

     - May not drive while texting or using earbuds

     - Although not prohibited, cell phone use while driving is strongly discouraged

5.     An indemnification Agreement must be signed by the parent/relative