Volusia County Beach Safety director abruptly resigns
Volusia County's Beach Safety director, who worked for the division for over 25 years, announced his resignation over the weekend.
Andy Ethridge sent a letter on Saturday submitting his two-week notice, effective on March 22. He said he plans to pursue other opportunities.
"I have had an incredible career with Beach Safety and will cherish the multitude of memories I will take with me," Ethridge wrote in his resignation letter. "There truly is nothing that compares to performing water rescues. Pulling a victim out of a rip current and breathing life back into them while they fight for their life is nothing short of amazing."
Ethridge began working for Beach Safety in 1996 as a tower guard. He began as director in 2021.
"I could have never imagined moving up through the ranks and making it to the top of one of the most incredible emergency response organizations in the world. For any police officer, the title of 'Police Chief' is a highly coveted honor," he wrote. "I also held that title with high regard and was fortunate enough to also hold the title of Beach Safety Chief."
Because of a state law change, the Volusia Sheriff's Office took over law enforcement authority on the beaches. The change resulted in some full-time lifeguards leaving for the sheriff's office or other jobs.
Beach Safety reported 13 drownings in 2023, the most reported by the agency since at least 1997.
Ethridge called 2023 a year of "unprecedented challenges" in his resignation letter.
"The work that was done to move our agency toward the future and our newly defined mission was difficult but rewarding," he wrote. "I worked diligently to ensure the Volusia County Beach Safety Division will stay in a position to provide the high level of service our citizens and visitors have come to expect."
County spokesman Michael Ryan sent an email to the County Council and other county officials on Sunday about the resignation, saying Ethridge plans to go into law enforcement.
"As you know, Mr. Ethridge served as a valuable asset to Volusia County for approximately 25 years and was an integral part of the evolution and modernization of our lifeguard and beach safety program," Ryan wrote. "We value and appreciate his service to the community and fully support his desire to return to his law enforcement roots."
Public Protection Department Director Mark Swanson is leading the division until the county chooses an interim leader, according to Ryan.
The News-Journal has reached out to Ethridge for comment.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Volusia County Beach Safety loses its director
