DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Beach safety teams along the coast of Central Florida are waving the red flag warning that surf and rip currents are extremely strong, and the conditions are expected to stick around through the Spring Break week and Easter weekend.
In Volusia County, lifeguards told News 6 they have already made close to 80 rescues in March.
“Once you get out there far enough, it really pulls you down and it takes you for a tow,” said beachgoer Caden Roseberry.
Even for people who consider themselves strong swimmers, the surf and currents can be a major challenge.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Volusia Beach Safety teams want to warn beachgoers before they go in the water to check their signs at beach parks where they post the conditions each day.
“We have these at every major park and parking area in Volusia County beaches. First, I’m going to have the high tide and low tide,” said Captain AJ Miller.
Miller said the biggest section to pay attention to are the flags and the meaning of their colors. A red flag signifies high hazards in the ocean.
“Right now, we’re dealing with heavier surf, and I would bet by the end of the weekend when that surf subsides, we’ll probably keep flying red because we’ll have rip currents popping off,” Miller said.
Around this time of year, Miller said they see the final winter-like storms roll through and they create the rough conditions.
“Right now, this heavier surf is punching holes in the sand bar and that’s what’s going to create those rip currents,” Miller said.
On top of the surf and currents, the high tides are pushing even higher this week and Volusia Beach Safety said that means they cannot allow cars on the beach. Those conditions are expected to stick around through the weekend, too.
If you plan to head to the beach in Volusia, the county does have an app for your phone that you can download that tells you in real time where lifeguards will be set up and which vehicle ramps are open or closed.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: