Local

Man drowns while swimming in New Smyrna Beach amid rip current warning, officials say

By Kelly Healey

A man drowned Sunday while swimming in New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County Beach Safety

Officials said.

By Kelly Healey

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — A man drowned Sunday while swimming in New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County Beach Safety officials said.

Lifeguards pulled an unresponsive man from the water at about 12:30 p.m., authorities said. Lifeguards performed life-saving efforts before he was taken to a hospital, where he died, officials said.  
The man was identified as Steven Kolaczewshi, 64, of Edgewater.
Beach Safety officials said they flew the red flag Sunday, warning swimmers of rip currents. Officials said in a news release that 13 victims were rescued from the ocean.  

Watch: Eye On The Tropics

"We transported two victims to local hospitals with various impact injuries after they were driven into the sand bar by large waves. One experienced a fractured arm and the other was treated for neck and back injuries,” Volusia County Beach Safety Captain Andrew Ethridge said in a news release.
Beach safety officials said they expect surf conditions to worsen this week as Hurricane Florence approaches the U.S. coastline.
“We expect the surf to build over the next few days and into the latter part of the week. With the larger surf we expect an elevated risk of rip currents,” Ethridge said. “Please be mindful of these conditions if you plan on coming to the beach.”
East coast beach conditions: Wave heights & winds

Cox Media Group

Most Read