Rip current threat remains high throughout busy weekend for lifeguards

The Volusia County Beach Patrol said it expects a busy Labor Day as rip currents continue to pose a threat along the coast.

Lifeguards had to make a few rescues Sunday, but they said that was nothing compared to the day before, when as many as 200 people were pulled out of the current.

The most dramatic rescue Saturday was the last one of the day. Just as lifeguards were getting ready to go home around 7 p.m., they had to go back into the water and rescue 25 people by Daytona Beach’s Main Street Pier.

“He went in after them, and he called for backup,” said Beach Patrol Capt. Ray Manchester. “Everyone responded, and we had about 15 lifeguards and 20 to 25 victims.”

The rescuers formed a human chain, passing swimmers over from lifeguard to lifeguard to get them all out of the water.

The lifeguards have kept the towers open later than usual because of the dangerous rip currents.