Volusia County beaches are expecting sizeable crowds this Fourth of July weekend. 

As people roll in, beach officials want to ensure safety is at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

“The big thing for us has been the rip currents,” explained Deputy Chief of Volusia County Beach Safety Aaron Jenkins. “The rip currents have been extraordinarily bad. We’ve rescued a lot of people, so that’s really where our attentions at.”

It’s been a busy year at the lifeguard headquarters in 2022. A total of 286 people had to be rescued from the surf last weekend alone. About 1,700 people have had to be pulled from the water throughout the past year. 

Because of that, Beach Safety will have all hands on deck to ensure everyone is having a fun, but safe, time.

“Everything from a red lifeguard tower to an ATV and jet ski," Jenkins said. "We’ll have our rescue boat in the water. We’ll have our patrol units out."

Officials say the goal is to keep as many visitors safe. Ryleigh McLeskey and her family are in town visiting Daytona Beach from South Carolina.

“This is our first time here,” she said.

Earlier in the week, she was a part of a softball team that won first place in a local tournament, and now this is an opportunity to relax by the waves before heading back home.

“It’s been kind of rainy," she said. "I’ve wanted to see the sunset and haven’t been able to yet, but I like the waves and trying to boogie board. I’m not really good at it."

Beach officials will preach safety throughout the holiday weekend. That includes swimming in front of a lifeguard on duty.