Threat of rip currents on the rise due to Hurricane Isaac

Isaac brings in dangerous rip currents to Volusia beaches

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Isaac is bringing in strong rip currents along the Volusia County coastline causing dangerous conditions for swimmers possibly throughout the weekend.

Volusia County Beach Patrol officers and lifeguards are asking swimmers to stay close to shore because of the rough conditions.

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Red flags were flying Tuesday reminding swimmers to use caution before jumping in to the dangerous surf.

The rip current risk is high because Isaac is churning things up and it's keeping some swimmers out of the water.

"Normally I would be out more, but I decided today I don't know if I could be out there and swim that well. I'm not going to test it," Mark Benderman, a tourist from Kentucky said Tuesday.

With Labor Day weekend right around the corner, beach patrol officers worry the conditions could be worse when thousands pack the beach this weekend.

So even though Isaac may be long gone here in Central Florida, its presence is still being felt along the Volusia county coastline.

Waves were four to six feet Tuesday but beach patrol says even when the surf looks smoother its still just as dangerous underneath the water.

"After the storm passes we might have very strong rip current conditions throughout Labor Day weekend, so we have strongly encouraged people to swim
in front of an open life guard tower. It's extremely important," Marris said.

Beach patrol will be fully staffed for the holiday weekend and they will have extra lifeguards on duty.


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