ANNA MARIA, Fla. (WFLA) — Manatee County has new rules at the beach. An ordinance is aimed at preventing people from digging huge holes in the sand.

Kristen Mazzarella with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch says large holes present a danger to sea life.

“Adult turtles are at risk of falling into large holes, and when they do, they might struggle to climb out. They can end up on their backs with no way to flip back over, especially when they’re trying to lay eggs, which is a serious problem for them. As for the baby turtles heading to the ocean, they can fall into these same holes and are usually too tiny to escape,” explained Mazzarella.

The new rule bans digging holes deeper than one foot on the beach, prohibits the use of steel shovels, and mandates that any holes created should be filled afterwards.

Mark Taylor, a long-time beachgoer and Manatee County worker responsible for beach safety and cleanliness, notes that some individuals go overboard with their digging activities.

“I’m sure it’s difficult for you to imagine, but some of the holes are bigger than this tractor, deeper than this is high, as long as this whole combination rig,” said Taylor, while standing in front of a large John Deere tractor that he uses to clean the sand at the beach.

He says he’s seen it all when it comes to holes on the beach. “They dig monstrous holes, they come down at spring break with snow shovels and go crazy,” said Taylor.

The towns of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach are working on similar ordinances, based on the language of the county ordinance.

Taylor says signs will be placed at the beach to educate the public about the new rules.