NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Labor Day did not get off to a good start for most sunbathers hoping to catch some early rays.
That's because all of Volusia County's beach ramps, including those in New Smyrna Beach, were not opened until 12:30 p.m. at the earliest because of high tides.
And that meant no motor vehicles on the beach.
Many of the ramps, including the Flagler Avenue Approach had long lines of vehicles waiting to get onto the "world's most famous beach."
Beach Patrol spokesman Scott Petersohn said the decision to keep the ramps closed despite the expected heavy traffic was made in the interest of safety.
This has not been a pleasant beach experience over the extended Labor Day weekend, even with sunny skies, because of rip tides that resulted in 275 lifeguard rescues just on Sunday, as well as scores of jellyfish stings.
One good note: No shark bites reported.