2 Swimmers Found Dead in Volusia County

The bodies of two swimmers have been recovered since Friday in Volusia County according to officials. One was a 60-year-old man, and the other appears to be a 17-year-old boy. Both were reportedly in areas not covered by lifeguards. The deaths came amid a busy weekend for Volusia County Beach Safety. The agency rescued 194 people from the ocean on Friday alone, prompting calls for extra caution by those swimming. The first incident occurred on Friday. At around 1:00 p.m., Volusia County Beach Safety responded to reports of an unresponsive swimmer near The Hartford beach access in Daytona Beach.  A kayaker reported finding the body 80 to 100 meters (262 to 328 feet) from shore. They reportedly kept the man afloat with their paddles until responders arrived. The man was unresponsive at the time of being hospitalized. Tragically, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at 60 years old. Later on Friday, a search commenced for a missing 17-year-old swimmer. Responders included personnel from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, Volusia County Beach Safety, and Daytona Beach Fire Department. A rescue occurred at 7:30 p.m. of several swimmers north of International Speedway Blvd in Daytona Beach. Lifeguards responded despite the location being in an unguarded area. Multiple swimmers were able to get to shore under their own power, while at least one was rescued and another was concluded to be missing. Over a dozen lifeguards commenced a search for the missing teenager. A helicopter assisted with an aerial search. Soon, the U.S. Coast Guard joined in. Late Saturday morning, a body was reportedly discovered on the beach. As of Saturday afternoon the body has not been confirmed to be the missing teenager, but local officials consider that conclusion likely.