A man pulled from the ocean by lifeguards March 14 in Ormond Beach has died, according to Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Director Tammy Malphurs.
The 19-year-old from Winter Garden was swimming in an area without a lifeguard around 1 p.m. when he called out for help. By the time Beach Safety lifeguards pulled him out of the water, he was unconscious. They performed CPR before officials took him to a local hospital. But he died the same day, Malphurs said.
His death marks the first reported drowning on Volusia County beaches in 2026. The death also happened during spring break.
“As spring break approaches, we want to remind everyone that the ocean is unpredictable, and safety should always come first,” Malphurs stated in an email to The News-Journal. “Swim in front of staffed lifeguard towers, follow posted signs and flags, and never underestimate the power of a rip current.”
From Jan. 1 to March 15, Volusia County lifeguards rescued 40 people from the ocean. Most ocean rescues are rip-current-related, according to Beach Safety.
Volusia County lifeguards always urge people to swim near a staffed lifeguard tower, which dramatically reduces one’s risk of drowning.
“Reports from lifeguard agencies nationwide consistently show that the odds of a swimmer fatally drowning at a beach protected by USLA affiliated lifeguards is 1 in 18 million,” according to the United States Lifesaving Association.
Beachgoers can find staffed lifeguard towers by using the Volusia Beaches mobile app.
Malphurs also stated that people should stay hydrated, watch out for their friends and leave alcohol off the beach (it’s prohibited).
Malphurs also reminded parents and guardians to pay close attention to their children when heading to the beach and to take special care in areas where beach driving is allowed.
“If you do bring children to a portion of the beach where driving is permitted, always hold their hand when they cross the traffic lane,” Malphurs stated. “Set up all your belongings, like chairs, coolers, umbrellas and toys on the water side of the traffic lane so kids don’t have to cross. Remember, lying in the parking area between vehicles is not allowed under county ordinance.”
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Winter Garden teen dies after he was pulled from ocean in Ormond Beach
Reporting by Sheldon Gardner, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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