Residents of the Daytona Beach area enjoy one of the most accessible beaches in the world. Volusia County is home to 47 miles of unbroken publicly accessible coastline, providing an almost never-ending playground for outdoor enthusiasts. County residents and visitors enjoy 140 pedestrian access points as well as numerous off-beach parking areas and vehicle access ramps. Dog owners in the Daytona area frequent two dog beaches where pets on leashes can romp in the surf and sand alongside their owners.
Patrolling this coastline are specially trained lifeguards and ocean rescue first responders who are members of an elite crew. Everyone knows New Smyrna Beach as a world-class surfing destination and “Shark Bite Capital of the World,” but this section of the Atlantic coast has nearly continuous rip tides as well.
“Rip tides are the number one threat to people’s safety on our beaches,” said Tamra Malphurs, Division Director of Volusia County Beach Safety and Ocean Rescue. So much so that the county recently launched a rip tide simulator course for the public to become accustomed to what rip tides feel like and how to handle them safely. Deputy Chief Alex “A.J.” Miller secured a $12,750 grant from the Florida Department of Children and Families to buy two simulators from Slip Stream, the maker of Endless Pools, and create the inaugural course unveiled at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort pool in May. Before heading to the beach, you can get current water conditions by texting “BEACH” to 44144.
While Volusia has many lifeguard stands, not all are staffed due to a nationwide shortage. “We have 55 full-time EMTs and ocean rescue lifeguards,” reports Malphurs. “We hire about 150 seasonal lifeguards for the summer which gives us a total staff of 200 – 250, depending upon the success of our recruiting efforts.”
To join, candidates face rigorous physical and mental demands to meet strict United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) accreditation standards. The crew trains daily, swimming up to two miles and running drills. Malphurs and Miller are active members, overseeing 16 Honda ATVs, nine Yamaha jet skis, a Boston Whaler rescue vessel, three Skydio drones, and 28 F-150 trucks equipped with rescue buoys and paddleboards.
Malphurs’ 29-year career includes over two decades as a triple-trained lifeguard, EMT, and law enforcement officer, culminating in her appointment as Director in August 2024. A former Technical Rescue Team member deployed during Hurricane Katrina, she holds a criminal justice degree and certificates from the FBI LEEDA series, FEMA Advanced PIO, and FBI LEEDA Masters PIO. Since 2020, she has presided over the non-profit Volusia Surf Lifesaving Association (VSLA) to maintain high standards and support charities.
Miller brings over two decades of surf lifesaving, emergency response, and leadership experience. A Port Orange native, he became a full-time lifeguard/EMT and law enforcement officer in 2006. An accomplished competitor, he was the USLA Southeast Region’s High Points Male champion in 2015, 2017, and 2026, and is a three-time winner of the Chattajack 31 prone stock division (2023, 2024, and 2025).
The award-winning team placed 1st at last year’s Southeast Regional Lifesaving Championships, beating 20 teams. “We also have a part-time lifeguard, April O’Gorman, who competes internationally for the USA World Team,” said Malphurs. O’Gorman, marking her eighth international competition, follows a strong local tradition: Lucy Noble and McKenzie O’Keefe represented the U19 National Team, Hallie Lynskey raced for Team USA (2015–2018), and Thomas McGibney remains the most decorated American surf lifesaving athlete.
Beach Safety:
Swim at staffed lifeguard towers.
Never swim alone.
Remain calm, float, and swim parallel to the shore to exit rip currents.
Don’t swim on Red Flag Days.
April O’Gorman is the Board Race and Taplin Relay USLA National Champion. She is a member of Team USA and the World USA Team competing in the International Surf Rescue Challenge in New Zealand. (Photo Credit: Volusia County Beach Safety & Ocean Rescue)