VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Rough waves and rip currents swallowed Volusia County beaches Sunday as Hurricane Maria continued its trek up the Atlantic.
Beachgoers were advised to use extra caution while in the water, or to just stay out of it, because of the dangerous surf, but not all felt threatened by it.
Joey Wilson, who brought his six children with him to Daytona Beach Sunday, said the conditions didn’t stop them.
“It is rough. It is rough, but there is people out there,” Wilson said. “I am going to go out there and let them have some fun. I'm sorry, but I am a little rough and I want them to learn.”
Another beachgoer who was visiting from New York Sunday said although more than 400 miles away, Hurricane Maria’s effect on the waters there left conditions too rough for him.
“I've never seen anything this strong," Carl Edmonds said. “The breeze feels good, the air is nice, but I don't think I'm diving in.”
Edmonds, along with others, were happy to stay dry for the day.
Lifeguards were on standby as a red flag flew in the wind alerting beachgoers who did decide to brave the strong current to be careful while doing so.