VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County lifeguards expect more people to visit the beaches for the holiday thanks to record-high temperatures.
But it could be tough taking a dip in the ocean to cool off, thanks to rough surf bringing dangerous rip currents.
The surf is about 2 to 4 feet high, beach Volusia County Beach Safety officials said. That's why lifeguards are flying red flags to warn beachgoers to be cautious
“First time for the beach on Christmas so we are pretty excited,” said beachgoer Jennifer Semmel.
For Semmel, sunshine, sand and salt water have never been what makes up her Christmas Eve, but that all changed this year.
She and her friends came to Daytona Beach from Connecticut, where she happily left her scarves, sweaters and gloves behind.
“I think it was in the 40s. It did snow there this morning, so we are happy that we are on the beach and it is sunny,” Semmel said.
While crowds of visitors hit the waves, Volusia County Ocean Rescue and Beach Safety officials said they were still monitoring weather conditions.
Extra lifeguard were on staff to help keep an eye on swimmers and patrol the beaches.
The red-flag warnings didn’t keep swimmers out of the water.
Federico Polidori, who is visiting from Montreal, said as long as the sun was out, he and his family would be as well.
“We will soak it in even if it's a little overcast. I'm alright with that,” he said.
Lifeguards wants to warn swimmers to stay near the lifeguard stands.
They said there were no water rescues Thursday and they’ll keep the extra staff on hand to manage the crowds.
WFTV
