Ponce Inlet, FL - Volusia County Beach Safety Captain Tammy Malphurs reports that hazardous rip current conditions yesterday (May 21) may have led to a husband and wife getting in trouble in the water in an unguarded area in Ponce Inlet. She said that the 62-year-old man from Orlando was pulled unresponsive from the water a little before noon. Livesaving measures were initiated and the man was airlifted to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The wife was helped to shore safely.
During the afternoon, a 49-year-old woman was transported to the hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries after hitting her head on the sandbar. Lifeguards also rescued another 84 people from the water.
Malphurs said rough seas, hazardous rip conditions, and morning high tides will keep the red flag flying at the beaches this weekend. Lifeguard towers will be fully staffed and the county emphasizes, as always, to swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower. She said with the potential for rip currents this weekend, swimming in front of a lifeguard is more important than ever!
CDC guidelines are still in effect. Vehicles must park at a blue post or conservation post, which are placed at 25 foot intervals. Beachgoers must also continue to comply with social distancing measures, which include limiting groups to six or less and maintaining at least 10 feet of distance from all other groups.
Weekend vehicular access ramp openings and closures are also shared on social media. Beachgoers are encouraged to follow Volusia County Beaches on Facebook and Twitter, visit www.volusia.org/beach,
