VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Lifeguards at Volusia County beaches are warning swimmers Monday of rip currents.
In Daytona Beach, Channel 9 reporter Mike Springer said there were some choppy waves, but that did not keep people from getting in the water.
Beach patrol said the biggest concern is the high risk for rip currents, so the red flags are out to warn people of the conditions.
“It's a little rough. We don't go too far. We have little kids so of course we cannot go too far with them,” said visitor Kimberly Schaffer.
Others didn’t seem too concerned.
“It was great. Rip tides a little bit but not too severe. It was enjoyable,” said visitor Jay Gilpin. “It pulled me to the left a little bit.”
Some said they’re taking advantage of the big waves to have fun and enjoy the last few moments of summer.
“It’s awesome, man. The currents are definitely strong, but a fun time as long as you can be safe,” said Bryan Malbonado.
And with thousands at the beach for the holiday, beachgoers said you can never be too careful.
“We’re just not going out very far. Just going out to the very first break, not any further than that,” said Jay Gilpin.
The warning is expected to be high all day and into the evening, then the rip currents are expected to get worse as the tides go out.
“We are fully staffed. We have all those lifeguard towers out there open,” said Capt. Tammy Marris.
Beach patrol said it has 115 lifeguards on duty Monday, and they’ve all been busy.
“We had a jetty rescue where the current pushed someone into the jetty,” said Marris.
Marris urged beachgoers to be safe.
“If you come down to the beach, swim in front of those open lifeguard towers and ask the lifeguard what the conditions are in that area,” Marris.
Watch out for rip currents if you're heading to the beach today pic.twitter.com/YcQbREZiuc
— Mike Springer WFTV (@mspringerwftv) September 5, 2016
Cox Media Group
