Dangerous Surf and Rip Currents Batter Volusia Coast

Couple rescued from sailboat in New Smyrna Beach as officials warn public to avoid the water

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vast, atmospheric seascape painting in muted tones, with a small sailboat struggling against massive, swirling waves that dominate the frame, conveying the sublime scale and danger of the extreme weather conditions.As a powerful storm batters the Volusia County coastline, a damaged sailboat is dwarfed by the overwhelming power of the raging surf.Daytona Beach Today

Powerful waves reaching up to 12 feet and strong rip currents have prompted Volusia Beach Safety to issue red flag warnings and urge residents and visitors to stay out of the water along the county's coastline. Despite the hazardous conditions, a couple from Mississippi had to be rescued from their damaged sailboat near the New Smyrna jetty after their vessel was significantly damaged in the storm.

Why it matters

Extreme weather events and dangerous surf conditions are becoming more common along Florida's coasts, posing serious risks to beachgoers and boaters. This incident highlights the importance of heeding safety warnings and the need for continued efforts to protect coastal communities from the impacts of severe storms and erosion.

The details

Volusia Beach Safety is flying red flags and warning the public to avoid the beach entirely until conditions improve. Crews remain on watch in case anyone enters the water. The Hanks, a couple from Mississippi, had set out from St. Augustine on their new boat, planning to sail back home during spring break, but their vessel was significantly damaged by the storm. They were pulled from their sailboat by deputies near the New Smyrna jetty. The couple acknowledged they made a bad decision to leave when they did, but say they will handle the removal of their boat themselves.

  • On April 8, 2026, dangerous surf and powerful rip currents were battering Volusia County's coastline.
  • The Hanks set out from St. Augustine earlier that day, planning to sail back to Mississippi over spring break.

The players

Volusia Beach Safety

The agency responsible for beach safety and rescue operations in Volusia County, Florida.

Leah and Ken Hanks

A couple from Mississippi who were sailing home during spring break when their boat was significantly damaged in the storm.

Volusia County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that rescued the Hanks from their damaged sailboat near the New Smyrna jetty.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're flying the red flag for hazardous conditions. We're not recommending people come down to the beach.”

— Capt. AJ Miller, Volusia Beach Safety

“We sailed from St. Augustine, and the conditions were rough, but they weren't unmanageable. It was OK. There was a storm behind us that we were going to stay in front of until we couldn't. It caught up with us.”

— Ken Hanks

“That's the reason we left when we did. It was a bad decision, but it was the decision we made.”

— Ken Hanks

What’s next

Volusia Beach Safety officials warn that the danger is not over once the storm passes, as the heavy surf will create dangerous rip currents that could linger for some time. The county will also need to repair any damage to the beach, including conservation posts and sand near vehicle ramps, before portions can be reopened to the public.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing risks posed by extreme weather events and dangerous surf conditions along Florida's coastlines. It underscores the importance of heeding safety warnings, exercising caution when venturing into the water, and the ongoing need for coastal communities to invest in resilience and protection measures to safeguard residents and visitors.