According to officials with the 96th Test Wing, the installation commander made the decision to align security rules on the water with restrictions already in place across the base’s land areas.

“With renewed interest in the waterways surrounding the base picking up this Spring and Summer, the 96th Security Forces Squadron reminds anyone using the waterways… that a specific permit is required,” officials said in an update released Monday.

Boaters or paddlers found inside the restricted areas without permits may be stopped and questioned by base security forces. Those who fail to comply could face fines, possible court appearances, and temporary suspension of recreational access privileges across the Eglin reservation.

Permits can be obtained through the iSportsman system, which provides recreation access across Eglin’s lands and waters.

Areas affected

Officials say the restricted waterways include several locations surrounding the installation:

• The Eglin main base shoreline

• Santa Rosa Sound north side near Hurlburt Field

• Santa Rosa Sound, south side near Santa Rosa Island

• Camp Pinchot shoreline

• Poquito Bayou housing area shoreline

• Wynnhaven Beach

A Notice to Mariners issued alongside the update provides additional guidance to boaters operating in the region.

Base officials say the permit system allows recreation to continue while ensuring military security requirements are met.

With boating activity expected to increase as warmer weather arrives, security forces say enforcement on the water will also ramp up.