Photos for Headline Surfer / TOP: Volusia Beach Safety personnel in the rolling surf of the Atlantic waters off Daytona Beach on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Daytona Beach, Florida. LEFT and BELOW: More pics of Volusia County personnel for Earth Day.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Volusia County Beach Safety is among countless public and private entities celebrating Earth Day, the annual global event celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection, first held in 1970.
"Happy Earth Day from Volusia County Beach Safety!," Tammy Malphurs, beach safety director of Volusia County Beach Safety in Daytona Beach. "We are so lucky to call this our office."
"Happy Earth Day from Volusia County Beach Safety!," Tammy Malphurs, beach safety director on Volusia County Beach Safety in Daytona Beach. "We are so lucky to call this our office."
What better way to celebrate earth Day on the beach in Daytona than with a rainbow.
For Earth Day 2026, Volusia County beach safety urges caution due to high-risk rip currents and strong, life-threatening surf. Visitors must swim near lifeguards, check Volusia County beach warning flags, and stay clear of dangerous shore break. For safety, sit west of driving lanes and never dig holes deeper than they are wide.
Key Beach Safety Information for April 22, 2026:
- Rip Currents: A high risk of life-threatening rip currents is in effect for all central Florida Atlantic beaches, including Volusia County.
- Surf Conditions: Expect large breaking waves of 5-7 feet, with 6-9 foot seas forecast.
- Beach Driving/Safety: Sunbathing and personal items must be located west of the designated driving/parking areas to avoid accidents.
- Swimming Safety: If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore.
- Regulations: No glass, pets, or fireworks are allowed on the beach.
For up-to-date conditions, monitor the Volusia County Beach Safety website or their social media pages.
More on Earth Day!
Founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, it aims to raise awareness of pollution, climate change, and conservation. Today, over a billion people participate in over 190 countries through cleanups, tree planting, and sustainability education.
In Volusia County Beach Safety's case, it's about water safety and appreciation of the Atlantic Ocean and beaches here in Volusia County.
Key Aspects of Earth Day
- Date: Celebrated every year on April 22.
- Founder: Founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 as a national teach-in on the environment.
- Purpose: To raise public awareness of environmental issues like pollution, deforestation, and climate change, and to promote solutions.
- Impact: The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of landmark environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act.
- Global Reach: In 1990, the event went global, and today it is recognized as the world's largest civic observance.
How It's Celebrated
Earth Day activities focus on making a positive impact on the environment:
- Cleanups: Thousands of communities hold litter cleanup events, such as along the Erie Canal.
- Restoration: Planting trees and restoring natural ecosystems.
- Education: Organizing educational workshops and campaigns about sustainability and climate change.
- Policy Advocacy: Governments and organizations often use this time to launch new environmental initiatives and policies.
How to Contribute
Individuals can make every day Earth Day by adopting sustainable habits:
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Cut down on waste, especially single-use plastics.
- Plant Trees/Native Plants: Enhance local biodiversity.
- Conserve Energy: Turn off lights, use energy-efficient appliances, and consider renewable energy sources
- Advocate: Participate in local, national, or international campaigns for the planet.
The 2026 Earth Day theme emphasizes strengthening environmental protections and accelerating the transition to a sustainable economy.
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