DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Beachgoers arrived before sunrise as large crowds were expected for the Memorial Day holiday.
In Daytona Beach, they wanted to get their spot on the sand before it was taken.
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“We knew it was going to be a lot of traffic and people coming here, so it’s better to get here early and not struggle to find a parking spot,” said beachgoer Aaliyah Woulard, who drove to Daytona Beach with her friends, Makena Harkness and Sky McKinney, to enjoy Memorial Day.
The combination of the holiday weekend and near-record high temperatures were expected to bring crowds to the beach.
“It’s been so hot! Like Sunday, I was playing basketball outside (and) I was sweating bullets,” 11-year-old Jeremiah Ferreira said.
Volusia County Beach Patrol said swimmers should beware of rip currents.
According to officials, there were 46 rescues on Saturday and Sunday.
“Especially with all the crowds and all the tourists, most people aren’t really experienced with the ocean so it’s definitely something to watch out for,” Harkness said.