DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Dangerous surf and powerful rip currents are battering Volusia County’s coastline, prompting beach safety officials to urge residents and visitors to stay out of the water. Waves are reaching 8 to 12 feet, and the conditions have already proven serious for at least one family.
Volusia Beach Safety is flying red flags along the coast and warning the public to avoid the beach entirely until conditions improve. Despite the warnings, crews remain on watch in case anyone enters the water.
“We’re flying the red flag for hazardous conditions. We’re not recommending people come down to the beach,” said Capt. AJ Miller with Volusia Beach Safety.
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The dangerous conditions proved to be more than a match for one Mississippi couple sailing home during spring break. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office released video of the rescue of Leah and Ken Hanks, who were pulled from their sailboat by deputies near the New Smyrna jetty after their vessel was significantly damaged.
The Hanks — both school teachers — had set out from St. Augustine on their new boat, planning to sail back to Mississippi over the break. Ken Hanks described the moment the storm overtook them.
“We sailed from St. Augustine, and the conditions were rough, but they weren’t unmanageable. It was OK. There was a storm behind us that we were going to stay in front of until we couldn’t. It caught up with us,” said Ken Hanks.
The couple says they wish they had heeded the warnings before setting out. Ken didn’t shy away from taking responsibility for the decision to leave when they did.
“That’s the reason we left when we did. It was a bad decision, but it was the decision we made,” said Ken.
The Hanks’ boat remains on the beach, but Ken says the couple plans to handle the removal themselves.
“This is not going to be Florida’s problem. This is our problem. We made the mistake and we will deal with it,” said Ken.
Officials warn the danger isn’t over once the skies clear. Miller says the heavy surf is creating a secondary hazard that will linger long after the storm passes.
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“What that heavy surf is doing right now is knocking holes into the sandbar and that’s going to create rip currents,” said Miller.
“It’s a more dangerous ocean environment because we’re going to now have those heavy rip currents,” he added.
Beyond the immediate danger in the water, the rough surf is leaving its mark on the shoreline. Volusia County officials say minor erosion and small sand cliffs may appear along the beach — a sign, they say, that beach renourishment projects are working to protect dunes and beachfront structures.
The surf and rain have also knocked out conservation posts and damaged sand near vehicle ramps. Beach Safety says portions of the beach cannot reopen until those areas are repaired.