DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — It's one of the biggest weekends for beach-goers, and crowds in Daytona Beach seem to be back at pre-pandemic levels.

Some people arrived for the day just after sunrise, like local Debbie Willer.

"We came bright and early to get our spots, because it's going to be crowded," said Willer.

She comes to the beach almost every weekend with her granddaughter. As a well-versed beach bum, she knows the early bird gets the best spot to put their toes in the sand.

This weekend is no exception to that rule, especially with all the out-of-towners hitting the waves.

According to TSA data, about 22 percent more people flew out Thursday than the same day in 2021.

It all means more people, and more business.

"I feel like this seasons better than last season," said Willer. "More out-of-towners, a lot more crowded."

And it's business as usual for Volusia County Beach Safety.

They say while you're hitting the water, make sure you're drinking from that water bottle too.

"I'd really like to remind the public to make sure they're drinking those fluids. We do get a lot of heat-related calls," said Captain Laura Warner with Volusia County Beach Safety.

Their biggest concern right now are rip currents.

They hope you'll stay close by the shore, and the lifeguard.

"Stay in about waist deep water, because those currents are pulling pretty hard," said Captain Warner.