Man, 60, drowns in Daytona Beach; search continues for missing teen swimmer, officials say

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - A 60-year-old man drowned Friday at an unguarded section of Daytona Beach, as thousands flocked to Central Florida beaches for the Independence Day holiday.

Meanwhile, rescue crews continued searching for another missing swimmer, a 17-year-old man from Orlando.  

Drowning victim unresponsive when brought to shore

What we know:

Volusia County Beach Safety said first responders were dispatched shortly after 1 p.m. to The Hartford beach approach in Daytona Beach after reports of a swimmer in distress.

A kayak operator found the man about 80 to 100 meters offshore and kept him afloat with paddles until rescuers arrived, officials said. The man was unresponsive when he was brought to shore and was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Search continues for missing swimmer

What we know:

Later Friday, crews from Volusia County Beach Safety, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office and the Daytona Beach Fire Department launched a search near the International Speedway Boulevard beach approach for another swimmer reported missing. A helicopter assisted in the search.

Officials said a couple had entered the ocean together. The woman made it back to shore and was taken to a hospital, but the man remained missing.

Volusia County Beach Safety said lifeguards rescued 194 people from the water Friday amid busy holiday crowds and hazardous surf conditions.

What they're saying:

Deputy Chief AJ Miller urged beachgoers to swim only in areas staffed by lifeguards.

"Anytime we have a lot of people coming to the beach, there's always that safety concern," Miller said. "Swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower, because if you do get in trouble, we're going to be there to help you."

The search for the missing swimmer remained ongoing Friday evening. The United States Coast Guard is now leading the investigation.

Volusia CountyNews