VOLUSIA COUNTY, FL – In a recent social media post, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office responded to inquiries from the Daytona Beach News-Journal regarding 13 drownings off Volusia County’s beaches in 2023. The Sheriff’s Office aimed to set the record straight, emphasizing the safety of Volusia County beaches and the dedication of law enforcement and lifeguards in ensuring public safety.
The Sheriff highlighted the transition of beach law enforcement duties to the Sheriff’s Office, necessitated by a new state law, not by the department’s request. This change allowed Beach Safety officers to focus entirely on lifesaving efforts. The Sheriff’s Office also became a United States Lifesaving Association-certified Aquatic Rescue Response team, a unique distinction among Florida’s sheriff’s offices.
The post detailed several tragic drowning incidents, clarifying the circumstances and efforts made in rescue and prevention. These included a range of victims from a 17-year-old swimming at night to older individuals with health issues contributing to drowning.
The Sheriff expressed disappointment in the News-Journal’s portrayal of these incidents, suggesting it was misleading and fear-mongering. Instead, the Sheriff challenged the publication to contribute positively by donating advertising space to help recruit more lifeguards for Volusia County Beaches, recently named the 2023 Beach Patrol of the Year.