Rip Current — Volusia, Florida

2010-09-03 to 2010-09-04 · Volusia, Florida

Event narrative

Over two hundred swimmers were rescued by Volusia County Beach Patrol on September 4 alone. Around 1000 LST, two teenagers were caught in a rip current and rescued by bystanders. One of the teenagers was transported to a local hospital were she later died. Around 2000 LST, a 19 year old was found face down in the ocean after being trapped in a rip current. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he remained in a coma.

Wider weather episode

Strong rip currents persisted across the east-central Florida waters in the aftermath of Hurricane Earl. Rough surf on September 1 and 2 kept most swimmers out of the ocean, but once swell heights lessened and more swimmers entered the water, life guards rescued several hundred people who became caught in rip currents. One drowning and one serious injury resulted from the rip currents in Volusia County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 249978. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.