Skip to main content
Clear icon
71º

Crazy crowds flock to Daytona Beach, 180 rescued on Volusia beaches

Beach warnings issued in Florida after tourist drowns

A sweltering afternoon along Daytona Beach Thursday. (Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Large crowds gathered Thursday up and down Volusia County’s coast, and dozens had to be rescued because of rip currents.

Volusia Beach Safety says 180 people were rescued from the waves.

Recommended Videos



It’s the second day of hazardous conditions and rescues. On Wednesday, a 43-year-old man drowned in the area of 500 N. Atlantic Ave., north of the bandshell, in an unguarded area. Officials said the man — who was visiting from West Virginia with his family — got caught in a rip current.

A surfer in the area assisted lifeguards and pulled the man to shore.

The victim was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

[RELATED: Flags, conditions, more: What to know before heading to the beach]

Volusia County Beach Safety officials said 107 beachgoers were rescued by lifeguards Wednesday.

“It looks like we will be flying the red flag over the next few days going into this holiday weekend,” Volusia County Beach Safety Chief Tammy Malphurs said. “Make sure when you come to the beach, make sure you’re swimming in front of those staffed lifeguard towers. Do not go in the water if there’s not a tower.”

Malphurs said beachgoers should also pay attention to high tides.

“We’re definitely keeping an eye on it. Probably not going to go out too deep just to be safe,” a beachgoer from Ocala said.


Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:


About the Author
Jacob Langston headshot

Jacob joined ClickOrlando.com in 2022. He spent 19 years at the Orlando Sentinel, mostly as a photojournalist and video journalist, before joining Spectrum News 13 as a web editor and digital journalist in 2021.

Loading...

Recommended Videos