I have pulled out hundreds of vehicles down there and never charged anybody anything. I always explained I wouldn’t be responsible for any damages before hooking up to them. Over the years, there were a couple dozen that I towed all the way back to the 2WD area. It always amazed me how many idiots would use the packed down wet sand during during low tide to take their rental minivan 10 miles past the 4WD sign, and when the tide came back in have nothing but deep sand to drive on.>
Let me give an example: Back in the 1970's many of us had special "beach trucks" with 4WD, larger fuel tanks, big soft tires, etc. and would venture far down the PINS at all times of year. All firearms were prohibited by regulation. The beach far from Port Mansfield or The ranger station HQ was absolute wilderness. The ONLY "police" presence was the every 12 hours ranger Jeep patrols, from the HQ to the Port Mansfield Channel and back. We told both the rangers and the County Sheriffs that we weren't going unarmed. We got "winks" from them all. The rangers viewed us as sort of informal "deputies" as we all carried radios, extra wheels/tires, jacks air compressors, fuel in Jerry cans, chains, etc. Several of us were MD's, RN's, & EMT's. We did more minor rescues than the official services. The ethic of the era was that we would always help another 4WD in trouble free of charge. Many of those were elderly Midwestern tourists in Jeeps they had towed behind motor homes, but underestimated distances or softness of sands. Others towed stuck 2WD's past the "4WD ONLY" signs for a fee, and helped pay for their beach trucks in that manner. I never charged anyone for help.
Oh look, I went on a little "rant" !
leVieux