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Volusia lifeguard OK after lightning strikes his truck in Ormond

By Frank Fernandez, Daytona Beach News-Journal USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
Damien Curry is a candidate for mayor of Ormond Beach in 2026.
Damien Curry is a candidate for mayor of Ormond Beach in 2026. Provided by Damien Curry USA TODAY Network, Reuters

A Volusia County lifeguard was indirectly struck by lightning on July 4 but was OK, an official said.

The lifeguard, Damien Curry, was standing next to his pickup truck about 1:30 p.m. near the Seminole approach in Ormond Beach when lightning struck the truck, said Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Capt. A.J. Miller.

Curry was checked out by paramedics and then taken to a hospital as a precaution and then released, Miller said.

"He was fine. He drove the truck back to the station," Miller said.

Curry could not be reached for comment.

Besides being a lifeguard, Curry is also a candidate for Ormond Beach mayor. He is running against George Doran, Jason Leslie and Lori Tolland. Leslie is the incumbent.

Beachgoers didn't want to leave beach even as lightning threatened

Miller said lifeguards had difficulty clearing the beach, because people wouldn't leave.

"People won't leave for lightning, but if we have a downpour, they scatter," Miller said.

He said when there is lightning nearby, lifeguards declare a "red light warning."

"We definitely encourage anyone coming to the beach anytime we have electrical activity and we make an announcement, people should heed those warnings and seek shelter off the beach," Miller said.

More lightning could interrupt beachgoers on July 5 when showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. for Daytona Beach, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne. The weather service also states the high will be near 91 with heat index values as high as 102 degrees. NWS says the day will be mostly sunny and a chance of rain at 60%.

What to do if lightning is near and you can't get inside

According to a USAToday story, here is what the National Weather Service advises for you to do if lightning is in the area and you can't get inside a safe building or vehicle.

  • Avoid open areas. Don't be the tallest object in the area.
  • Stay away from isolated tall trees, towers or utility poles. Lightning tends to strike the taller objects in an area.
  • Stay away from metal conductors such as wires or fences. Metal does not attract lightning, but lightning can travel long distances through it.
  • If you are with a group of people, spread out. While this actually increases the chance that someone might get struck, it tends to prevent multiple casualties, and increases the chances that someone else could help if a person is struck.

- Frank Fernandez covers courts and criminal justice in Volusia and Flagler counties for The Daytona Beach News-Journal.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Volusia lifeguard OK after lightning strikes his truck in Ormond

Reporting by Frank Fernandez, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Lightning lights up the sky as a severe thunderstorm moves over Lake Okeechobee at the Port Mayaca Lock and Dam on June 24, 2026, in Martin County.
Lightning lights up the sky as a severe thunderstorm moves over Lake Okeechobee at the Port Mayaca Lock and Dam on June 24, 2026, in Martin County. Crystal Vander Weit/Treasure Coa USA TODAY Network, Reuters

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published July 5, 2026 at 8:17 AM.