3 hospitalized after being rescued from rip currents in Volusia County

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue said three people were taken to the hospital on Friday after being rescued from the ocean.

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Beach officials said people should be aware of dangerous rip current conditions into the weekend.

They said there were numerous rescues during the day but have yet to release the official count.

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Earlier this week, Volusia County Beach Safety said two people died, including a man in his 70s and another person.

Volusia County Beach Safety Deputy Chief Tammy Malphurs said all of the people taken to the hospital this week were swimming in zones with no lifeguards present or outside of beach hours.

“Over the last two weeks, we rescued over a little over 500 people out of the water due to rip currents,” she said. “It’s very hazardous out there right now.”

Malphurs said they will continue to fly the red flag throughout the weekend and encourages people to download the Volusia Beaches mobile app to see where lifeguards are stationed.

Watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates on this story.

VIDEO: Hurricanes Ian, Nicole helping to produce dangerous rip currents at Central Florida Beaches Volusia County Beach Patrol officials are warning people to prepare for a high risk of dangerous rip currents throughout the summer. (Demie Johnson, WFTV.com/WFTV)

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