September 29, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Calm Skies, Dangerous Surf: Why Rip Currents Are a Risk at Ormond Beach This Week

By Staff report

Safety graphic titled "Caught in a Rip Current? Here's How to Survive," listing: stay calm and float, don't swim against the current, swim parallel to shore, and call or wave for help. — Graphic courtesy of the National Weather Service

Central Florida opened the week with quiet, comfortable weather, but the water tells a different story. Forecasters say a high risk of life-threatening rip currents continues at all area beaches, including Ormond Beach.

The short version
The National Weather Service has kept rip current and high surf alerts in place for coastal Volusia County.
Breaking waves of 4 to 9 feet hit the surf zone at the peak of the recent swell.
Swim only in front of staffed lifeguard towers and check the Volusia Beaches app first.
If caught, stay calm, float, and swim parallel to shore — never fight the current.

Why the Risk Stays High

The National Weather Service has had rip current and high surf alerts in place for coastal Volusia County for several days, with breaking waves of 4 to 9 feet in the surf zone during the peak of the recent swell. Weather Service statements described a strong southward-flowing current along the shore, on top of the rip current threat. Dry, pleasant conditions inland can make the beach look inviting even when the water isn't safe.

Rip currents are narrow, fast channels of water pulling away from shore. They form most often at low spots or breaks in a sandbar and near structures such as jetties and piers, and forecasters warn they can sweep even strong swimmers into deeper water.

What Lifeguards Recommend

Volusia County Beach Safety advises swimming only in front of staffed lifeguard towers and checking the Volusia Beaches app for current conditions before heading out. Beach Safety also urges people to heed posted warning flags and lifeguard guidance.

If You Get Caught in a Rip Current

The Weather Service's core advice is to stay calm and float rather than fight the current. Swimming directly against a rip current tires swimmers quickly. Standard guidance from safety agencies is to swim parallel to the shore until you're out of the pull, then angle back toward the beach, and to wave and call for help if you can't escape.

Anyone who sees a swimmer in trouble should alert a lifeguard or call 911 rather than entering the water. Well-meaning rescuers are often the second victims.

What's Ahead

Forecasters expect moisture and rain chances to build Wednesday and continue through the week, but rip current risk depends on wave conditions, not rain, so check conditions each day before you go in.

For residents who take a morning walk or fish along the shore, the message is simple: enjoy the beach, but stay out of the surf when the risk is high.

Sources

Reported by Staff report for Ormond Beach Buzz. Candidate filings, precinct details and voting information come from the City of Ormond Beach.

Official city information