Beach Safety: Dozen rescues on Friday the 13th with 'large Spring Break crowds' in Daytona

Photo for Headline Surfer / Spring Breakers getting their tan on at the World's Most Famous Beach in Daytona Beach, Florida on Friday, March 13, 2020.

By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Volusia County Beach Safety flew the red flag on Friday the 13th - rescuing 12 swimmers without incident with Spring Breakers soaking up the sun and surf, according to Volusia County beach safety officials.

"We had large Spring Break crowds in all core areas of the beach, we kept busy enforcing alcohol and other misc violations," said Capt. Tamra Malphurs of the Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue in a daily email media alert to Headline Surfer. 

"We had large Spring Break crowds in all core areas of the beach, we kept busy enforcing alcohol and other misc violations," said Capt. Tamra Malphurs of the Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue in a daily email media alert to Headline Surfer. 

Going into the weekend, we have a midday high tide," Malphurs said. "We do expect beach access ramps to be closed to driving during this time."

Volusia Beaches app

Download the free Volusia Beaches app for real-time information regarding beach access ramps, lifeguard towers and more. Follow Volusia County Beaches on Facebook and Twitter for general information and updates.

Lifeguard Tryouts

The last round of tryouts will be held 8-11 a.m. today  at the Ormond YMCA  and from noon-3 p.m. at the Port Orange YMCA. Applicants may also try out the first day of recruit class at 8 am today at Beach Safety Headquarters,  515 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach. Applicants must be able to:

• Swim 500 meters freestyle in under 10 minutes;
• Swim 50 yards freestyle in under 30 seconds;
• Run a half-mile in under 3 minutes, 15 seconds.

For more information, please visit Volusia.org/beach or call 386-239-6414.

Henry Frederick bio / Headline Surfer