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Multiple beach rescues take place in Volusia County Saturday, officials say

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Strong rip currents across Central Florida mean the red and purple flags are flying this weekend.

The National Weather Service said the rip current risk is high Saturday and will be the greatest during the late afternoon and early evening hours due to tidal effects.

There were nine water rescues with 11 victims, Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue officials said late Saturday. A woman was taken to the hospital by New Smyrna Beach Fire personnel after she was rescued from the surf; her condition is not known at this time, officials said.

Beach officials and lifeguards are on personal watercraft, along with the Coast Guard boat and helicopter crews, are searching for a missing swimmer at New Smyrna Beach. No other information was released.

There were also numerous jellyfish stings and one person was taken to the hospital for a minor reaction, officials said.

Volusia County beaches were temporarily closed due to high tide, beach rescue said.

Beach officials have cautioned anyone going to the beach to stay close to a lifeguard and don’t go more than waist deep in the water.

Five teens were taken to the hospital Friday in Brevard County after they were caught up in a rip current, fire rescue said.

Officials say if anyone is caught up in a rip current, they should remain calm and not fight the current. The person should swim in a direction following the shoreline. If a person is unable to escape, they should face the shore and call or wave for help. People can also float or tread water until they're out of the pull of the rip current.

This is a developing story. Check back on wftv.com for updates.

The beach is tempting, but make sure to swim near a lifeguard. HIGH risk of rip currents. http://at.wftv.com/2pCRbxa

Posted by WFTV Channel 9 on Saturday, April 15, 2017