History: Lifeguards over the years in Daytona Beach

This has been quite the summer for beach rescues, always a concern on Volusia Beaches. On just one day, June 21, 62 swimmers were rescued from the surf because of rip currents. That brought the number of Volusia County beach rescues to 675 for the year.

Daytona Beach has had a lifeguard corps watching out for swimmers since 1929 when the Daytona Beach Red Cross Volunteer Lifeguard Corps was formed. The volunteer corps served until 1963. Their presence on the beach was often mentioned in area tourism ads since the 1930s. Volusia County fully took over management of the beach and its lifeguards in 1988.

A change in state law in 2023 required the Volusia County Sheriff's Office to take on beach law enforcement duties.

Do you have a vintage photo to share?

If you have photos showing the landmarks, people and events of Volusia and Flagler counties’ rich past, don’t leave them hidden away in boxes and albums; send a scan to The News-Journal for possible display on a future history photo page. Email the scan or an inquiry to mlanewrites@gmail.com.