Rough surf leads to rescues at local beaches

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - It was a busy weekend for local lifeguards as big crowds and rough ocean conditions led to a lot of rescues.

The red flag was flying across Volusia County. Ocean rescue officials say rip currents were a big issue.

Eric Velez, visiting from Alabama, says a young family member felt that firsthand.

“He went out right here in the shallow end and ended up a little deeper than he expected because he slipped,” Velez said. 

“Me and my husband were saying how we had to hold our son and daughter really tight because it was pulling us in very strong,” said Volusia County mom Alexandrea Williams.

Lifeguards say they rescued more than 100 people over the weekend. 

On Sunday, two kids were taken to the hospital as a precaution.

On Brevard County beaches, a 60-year-old man visiting from Michigan was pulled from the rough surf in Indialantic. He later died.

Police say six other people, including the man’s 16-year-old granddaughter, also had to be rescued from the ocean.

Volusia County Beach Safety Capt. Mike Berard says the current can sweep you away in an instant.

“At one point you can be standing in waist to shoulder deep water and if you step left or right into a rip channel area, it’s almost instantly overhead,” Berard said.

Officials advise beachgoers to stay in shallow water and swim close to a lifeguard stand.