Notice of the regulation is put in the local newspaper, posted at beaches, and distributed to area hotels and businesses. Four Marine Patrol units enforce the regulation in the county. We try to use common sense with enforcement. First-time violators are stopped, the regulation is explained to them, and they are given a warning. If we catch them doing it again, then they are cited.
Most folks are simply unaware of the regulation.
Once we tell them, they're willing to comply. While the regulation has kept user conflicts to a minimum in Baldwin County, Patrick says they have been struggling with the same issue in Mobile County where there is no visible first sandbar. We have really wrestled with this. We would have to put out markers in the water, which is financially prohibitive. He notes the delineation will have to be decided before state officials, who are considering making the regulation permanent, could receive the necessary legislative approval.