Beach dangers: A Volusia Ocean Rescue official talks rip currents
Rip currents cause 80% of the rescues Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue lifeguards make. A beach safety official explains what they are.
A 29-year-old Colorado man was in critical condition Friday afternoon, June 20, after being struck by lightning in New Smyrna Beach, according to Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Director Tammy Malphurs.
The incident happened about 12:30 p.m. near the 27th Avenue beach approach while the man was standing in ankle-deep water. Lifeguards immediately started CPR and performed life-saving measures, but he was unresponsive when taken from the scene, according to Malphurs.
Emergency first responders said the man was taken to Advent Health New Smyrna Beach.
WESH-TV reported the city of New Smyrna Beach said in a separate incident Friday, two more people were struck by lightning while golfing at the Venetian Bay golf course. However, neither required transport to the hospital.