Volusia County expects heavy beach turnout on Labor Day weekend

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — This weekend is expected to be one of the busiest of the year on Volusia County's beaches, so officials are warning beachgoers about soft sand, ramp closures and safety concerns.

So far this summer, officials said there hasn't been a single serious accident involving a pedestrian and vehicle on the beach, but Labor Day weekend is a busy one and officials want to keep everyone safe.

"It don't bother me because, for one, people drive respectfully and they pay attention to what they're doing. Nobody gets down here to try to pretend like they're on the race track," said tourist Christopher Davis.

Officials said there have been two drownings off Volusia County's beaches, compared to several each year in recent years. Both victims this year couldn't swim and were in the water where there was no lifeguard, officials said.

The surf this weekend is expected to be calm, and officials said they expect at least three beach ramps to be closed by noon Saturday due to crowds.

Daily beach passes are $5.

Beach safety officials are asking parents to watch their children and for drivers to come early to avoid getting turned away at the tolls.

WFTV