Volusia County Introduces New Rip Current Simulator to Strengthen Ocean Safety Education
Posted On: February 27, 2026
Volusia County Beach Safety is changing how the community learns about rip currents, debuting a new simulator this morning at the Daytona State College Aquatic Center that allows participants to safely experience conditions similar to those found in the ocean.
The simulator recreates the force and movement of an ocean rip current in a controlled pool environment, giving participants a realistic understanding of what a rip current feels like and how to safely respond. During the demonstration, Beach Safety staff walked attendees through proper techniques for escaping a rip current and emphasized the importance of remaining calm and following safety guidance.
Beach Safety will use the simulator as part of upcoming community education classes to increase public awareness, reduce panic in emergency situations, and help residents and visitors make safer decisions in the water. Details on those classes will be announced in the near future.
The purchase of the rip current simulator will be reimbursed through a grant from the Florida Department of Children and Families, supporting Volusia County’s continued investment in proactive, education-based safety initiatives. Through ongoing outreach and training, Volusia County Beach Safety works to equip residents and visitors with the knowledge they need to make safer decisions in the water.
