VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Heavy surf is slamming Volusia County beaches, with lifeguards warning that Tuesday could bring the worst conditions of the week. Waves are reaching up to 9 feet, creating a high risk of rip currents that officials say are especially dangerous.
Beach Safety says swimmers should avoid the water unless they are directly in front of a staffed lifeguard tower. Red flags are flying along the coast to alert visitors to the threat.
“I just saw the waves from afar and was like, I got to get closer. I’ve got to check it out. God’s nature right out here,” one beachgoer told News 6.
[WATCH BELOW: Deadly weekend underscores rip current dangers at Volusia County beaches]
Officials say hundreds of rescues have already been made over the past several days. Over the weekend, a 51-year-old visitor drowned after being swept away in rough surf.
The loss is making even longtime residents pause before venturing into the water.
“Yeah, I definitely am one of those types of people who would go into the water when it’s a little bit more turbulent than normal,” said Maxwell van Wheeler, a Volusia County resident. “But yeah, hearing that, I’m taking a second guess.”
[WATCH BELOW: New sand, dunes in Volusia County could be tested by rough surf from Atlantic storm]
Tamra Malphurs, deputy chief of Volusia County Beach Safety, says that tragedy happened in an unguarded area.
“That’s why it’s so important to make sure you’re swimming in front of those staffed lifeguard towers at all times,” Malphurs said. “Even the strongest swimmers get caught in rip currents. A lot of people underestimate the power.”
Conditions are expected to remain rough through Tuesday, with some improvement beginning midweek.